Luke Usher Introduces His Philosophy For Continued Success For Our Under 18s.
With Dan Goodall now part of the First Team Management Team, it is Luke Usher that will be taking charge of the Town’s title winning Under 18s next season, working with Scott Rimmington and Gerald Donaldson as they aim to replicate last season’s success.
Having previously coached at both Badshot Lea and Aldershot Town, Luke brings considerable experience to his new role and this will be further enhanced when he completes his UEFA B coaching license later this year.
A West Ham fan that idolised Joe Cole, Luke’s earliest football memory is playing for Farnham Town and wearing the Town’s own claret and blue kit for the first time.
“To be honest, I didn’t know what I was doing and simply got the ball and ran with it!”
It’s fair to say that his tactical acumen has improved significantly since then!
Luke now brings a modern approach to man management, looking to create an environment where players are confident not only in their own ability, but also in the opportunity to express themselves.
“Of course there has to be a balance between creativity and discipline.
But you have to remember that coaches are not in the game itself, so you have to trust your players to make the right decisions, react to what’s happening on the pitch and give you feedback that you can use to get the right result”.
A key part of Luke’s approach is to build a rapport between the players, the coaches and himself as the manager.
“It’s a question of mutual respect, belief and trust.
I know that the players are able play the game, where we can help them develop is in terms of attitude, confidence and energy.
Tactical and technical improvements are easy to instil so long as the player has the right attitude and believes in what you’re doing”.
Luke has huge respect for what Graham Potter is currently achieving with Brighton.
“His players really seem to want to play for the team.
He’s developed them individually and collectively and I really like the way that they play with purpose and intent.
That’s what excites me, high tempo football played with real energy and that’s the way I want my team to play”.
Arriving after a season where the Town won the Under 18 league title, Luke acknowledges that expectations are high for next season.
“Obviously the aim is to retain the title and have a good run in the FA Youth Cup.
But I also want to see the players develop as individuals, tactically, technically and with an attitude and energy that will enable to play not only for my team but, potentially the first team and even higher levels”.
As someone who demands the right attitude from his players, it’s clear that Luke has the right attitude for success next season!