Ryan Moore: The Path To Success

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Recently appointed Cobblers manager Ryan Moore has spoken for the first time since taking the job, leaving his post as assistant manager at Brackley Town.

The 24-year-old will be undertaking his first job as a first-team manager, having signed a one-year-deal with the club on Friday last week.

However, despite his inexperience, Moore has promised fans that he is the right person to "rebuild the football club," following relegation to League Two last season - a division in which the club won in 2016.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity I have been given, first of all." He said in a statement. "The board have been very supportive and have given me their full backing as I begin my managerial career."

"Last season was a real disappointment for everybody and it's clear that a rebuild process needs to occur, if the football club wants to earn their place back in League One. That is my main priority - I want to get the club back into League One at the end of the season. Things need to be revitalised though, definitely."

"I cannot wait to meet the supporters and I want to host an open forum with them, to allow anybody to voice their opinions with me. Clubs depend on the fans and it's those fans who pay their hard earned money to support them. It's the least I can do as we look to achieve our aims this season."

Moore is under no illusions that his age will play a factor this season. "I'm aware that many will doubt me simply due to the inexperience I have, as well as my age. I'm coming into this job on the back of very little. However, I want to implement a fresh, modern approach to the game. That's at the forefront of my ways."

"This is a results business though. If we want to achieve promotion, we need to do so by grafting out the results. I need players that are committed to the cause and I'll be speaking with individual players over the next week to see who is willing to put in the hard work. Those who don't want to be here have no place at this football club."

The former Brackley assistant will be looking to add to his staff in the next week, as he assembles his backroom staff.

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Justice: The managerial world must be becoming too stressful for the majority these days.

Will sure be intriguing to see if you head straight back up following relegation, surely you must have one of the strongest squads in the division?

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I have always been ambitious in my approach to things. That was going to be no different in my approach to management. Promotion is the aim and nothing else. That may have upset a few experts, who claim I'm being naive, but I don't care. It's not naive, it's a sense of confidence in my ability and the players' ability.

I'm more than aware of the task ahead. There are a whole host of clubs that will be fighting for promotion this campaign, with the likes of Lincoln, Mansfield and Notts County all having a case - as well as the recently relegated sides MK Dons, Bury and Oldham. I'm not underestimating the division at all and I expect a tough challenge, but I wouldn't be where I am without having confidence in myself.

To be in such a position is an amazing opportunity. I could never have dreamed of such a thing happening and I have a lot of people to thank. One of those, in particular, was Kevin. Heading to the my former club one last time was an extremely difficult moment for me, but I have full faith in the club to win promotion. Kevin is a real inspiration and someone I will never forget for the faith shown in me.

The support from everybody back at Brackley has been phenomenal and I cannot thank them enough. Players, staff and supporters have all been supportive of this new adventure for me. I'm determined to get it right.

But, I have to remain focused. I have a lot to prove and I can't afford to get off on the wrong foot. I have already been challenged by a number of sources, claiming I am naive, so it's important that I rubbish those people and prove my worth. It's time to follow in the footsteps of the greats that I once idolised.

Preparations have been in the offing already. As soon as I stepped foot into the club, I knew that changes were going to have to be made. Conversations took place between myself and a number of players regarding their future. I had to be ruthless and one individuals demands were far beyond what we could offer, so I told him where to go. We won't have players' take the p*ss out of the club.

There is a small backroom staff already here and I have opted to keep them all on at the club for the time being. Everybody knows their role and has been committed to the cause, which is all I ask. I have been working hard to attract fresh new faces too and I'm close to being able to announce those arrivals. The same can be said for the personnel on the pitch.

The squad at my disposal is a squad I am confident in. Those who didn't want to be here have departed and I am now focused on building a relationship with the players. There are a number of players that are older than myself and it's key that I earn their respect. It works both ways in management - you have to respect them and they have to respect you.

Pre-season will be an important time for us all. I look forward to everything this job has to offer and I am thankful to be working alongside a committed group, in which includes a board which supports my ambitions. The next few weeks will, hopefully, help present the vision I have here. But for now, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Come on you Cobblers...

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Jack: The squad is strong, yes, but there are definitely areas in need of improving. You will soon see!

Nice to see you aiming for immediate promotion straight off the bat as the competition throughout the campaign will certainly make for nice reading, all the best

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The club would like to welcome Steve Torpey, Danny Philpott, Alan Kernaghan and Graham Younger, as they all join Ryan Moore's backroom staff for the 2018/19 season.

Steve Torpey joins the club as a coach after departing York City, following a ten year spell with the club. The 47-year-old enjoyed a 22-year playing career, in which allowed him to play for the likes of Millwall, Swansea City and Scunthorpe United.

He brings a wealth of Football League experience with him, having played over 600 times across the Championship, League One and League Two.

66-year-old Danny Philpott joins us as Chief Scout on a one-year-deal. Danny has spent time in the Premier League with both Everton and Sunderland.

He will be working closely with Simon Tracey and other recruit Graham Younger in helping with the recruitment this season.

Younger joins after leaving Cardiff City, where he spent time as a Data Analyst. He has also worked with Bolton Wanderers in his career. The 29-year-old joins on a one-year-deal.

Finally, the club would like to welcome Irish international Alan Kernaghan to The PTS Academy Stadium. The 26-timed capped defender, 51, made over 200 appearances for Middlesbrough in a career which also allowed him to play for Manchester City and a host of Scottish outfits such as St Johnstone and Clyde.

Kernaghan joins the coaching staff, as Ryan Moore looks to bring in experienced faces to help the club in the upcoming season.

Moore said, "I am delighted to welcome these individuals to the club. They will play an integral part to the team this season and I look forward to working alongside them."

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Jack: You don't get anywhere without a bit of confidence!

Can't say that I know any of the incoming staff, but to have been working in the game for so long tips the balance of experience at the club with having a manager coming in to do his first managerial job of his career surrounded by experienced individuals is a good recipe for success

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The club are delighted to welcome Swedish goalkeeper Tim Erlandsson to The PTS Academy Stadium on a season-long-loan.

Erlandsson has joined the Cobblers on loan until the end of the season from Sky Bet Championship side Nottingham Forest. He becomes Ryan Moore's first signing as manager - as he seeks to add depth to the goalkeeping department.

The Swede will compete with David Cornell, Luke Coddington and Lewis Ward for the number one jersey this campaign.

The 21-year-old will be getting his first taste of the Football League, having yet to make an appearance for his parent club - instead enjoying spells on loan in his native Sweden, the Vanarama National League and the Vanarama National North.

He joined Nottingham Forest on a free, following his departure from Swedish Premier League side Halmstads BK in 2014. He would spend time with the U18's prior to a loan move to Vanarama National League side Barrow in 2016.

The 21-year-old joined on a one-month-loan and made two appearances, before returning to Forest as the club sought to give the keeper experience at a higher level. He would then join newly promoted Allsvenskan club AFC Eskilstuna until the end of the season in January 2017.

After making 13 appearances for the Swedish side, he would return to the City Ground in November before spending more time with the development squad at the club.

In his most recent loan spell out from the club, Erlandsson joined Salford City in March on a one-month-loan. He impressed at Moor Lane, making eight appearances for the eventual Vanarama National League North winners.

Speaking after the completion of the deal was confirmed, Moore said: "I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Tim to the club. He is a young, talented goalkeeper who has a bright future ahead of him - in which he has displayed as part of the development squad at Forest and on numerous loan spells."

"I would like to thank Nottingham Forest, in particular Aitor Karanka, for their co-operation and allowing this deal to happen."

"We look forward to working alongside Tim. He is a welcome addition to the club and someone we were strongly recommended in bringing to the club."

Erlandsson made a brief comment, stating: "This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself in the Football League. My deal at Forest runs out in the summer and so I am determined to impress, both here and back at Forest. I cannot wait to get started."

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Jack: Having that experience around will definitely benefit Ryan. Only time will tell how successful everything goes.

Four keepers in number one contention? Surely a couple have gotta go, but I assume that Erlandsson is coming in to fill the number one spot. Will also be interesting to see how he copes with regular English football!

Looks like a nice signing, and a good story so far, keep it up

Definitely an interesting situation going on with the goalkeeping situation but you know what you're doing, who am I to question your decisions

Petition to change the name of the stadium to 'The PMS Academy Stadium'?

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David Cornell is understood to be leaving the club, following the arrival of Tim Erlandsson on loan from Nottingham Forest.

The 27-year-old Welshman joined the Cobblers in 2016 from Oldham Athletic and has gone on to make just twelve appearances for the club.

The arrival of Erlandsson meant that the tally of goalkeepers at the club rose to four, with Luke Coddington returning to the club from his loan spell with Guiseley. Whereas Lewis Ward joined the club on loan from Huddersfield prior to the arrival of current boss Ryan Moore.

It is believed Moore has told Cornell to find a new club. When asked, Moore replied, "David is a top professional, but he finds himself low down in the pecking order at the club. He is somebody who wants to be getting regular football and we simply cannot offer him that here."

"Whether he makes a permanent move or a loan move, I'm not sure. I will be in contact with clubs over the coming days, attempting to find him possible suitors. However, for now, there is little to report on this front."

The former Brackley Town assistant was also quizzed on future arrivals to the club, with reports suggesting the club are close to completing another loan deal - this time for defender Calum MacDonald from Derby County.

"There has been contact for the player, yes," He noted. "He is a player we are very keen on and progress with Derby has been going rather well. We are hoping to bring him to the club soon, but obviously cannot confirm anything just yet."

The 20-year-old Scottish full-back, who has been capped twice at U21 level, spent last season on loan in the National League with Barrow, scoring once in 21 appearances. Mansfield Town are also said to be interested in the defender.

Another name linked is Stoke City defender Tom Edwards. The 19-year-old made six appearances last season for the Potters as they were relegated from the Premier League. Recently appointed boss Gary Rowett is keen to get the young defender some regular football to improve his progression, with the Cobblers being one of a number of teams rumoured to be interested in his services.

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Jack: Whilst we are blessed with a number of options, a clear number one was needed - hence the arrival of Erlandsson. It is a potential risk, given he has no experience in the Football League, but we'll see. The Swedish top flight is competitive and he has experience there, so he does have *some* experience to fall back on.

Olle: Thank you mate, I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Griffin: Haha, thank you. I doubt myself sometimes, so I'm glad someone can put a bit of trust into me.

Justice: Why, what does that stand for... I dread to think with you.

Yeah, I thought so. Three keepers is adequate for any squad and to say he's only made 12 appearances since 2016, it looked like it was always going to be Cornell leaving.

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I sat at one of the tables at the bar. A pint beside me and a couple of the lads sat directly across from me. It was important that I found a balance between my career and my social life - the club knew that and were totally fine with me "living my life, as long as it didn't affect my ability to manage." So, it was nice to finally catch up with a couple of friends after such a busy few weeks.

We'd spent a few hours now at one of the local pubs, in which we always used to visit - especially before I got into coaching at Brackley. It was a modest pub, with a number of regular faces; I wouldn't call them alcoholics, but they did seem to spend far too much time in there. But, who am I to judge.

The lads had been desperate to find me a lass. It had been a long, ongoing joke now that I was unable to pull the girls. Not that I was particularly bad looking or anything - in fact the lads also used to comment about how much time I would spend getting ready, trying to look my best for any occasion - but I weren't able to keep a stable relationship going.

I had been royally f*cked over in the past by a few girls. It's funny how the world likes to paint the picture that it's usually the men to watch for in a relationship, yet for me, I was always the one to be screwed over in one way or another. None of the numerous relationships I had worked long-term, despite how much effort I put into them.

Relationships had taken a backseat for a while anyway, I was devoting most of my time to the football club and any remaining time was usually spent with my family, or the lads. So I hadn't been in one for some time.

"Oi, Ryan," Joe whispered from across the table. He was the same age as me and had been a close mate for a number of years now, since we went to college together. You know those guys that simply are there for a quick shag and nothing else? That was Joe, unfortunately. "Have you seen her? F*cking hell, she'd get it." I simply just laughed and take a sip from my pint, shaking my head slightly. Trust him, I thought.

The truth is, I had one girl I was interested in. The only issue was, I wasn't exactly sure whether she felt the same way. We met through Joe and one of his little parties he occasionally put together. We had spoken for a while, sharing how little we thought of the get-together and how we were simply dragged into it by friends.

She was a great laugh and so we shared our numbers and got talking a few days later. From there, I ended up getting her Instagram and Snapchat and whilst we continued to talk and like each others posts', it never really meant anything. Simply talking and liking a few posts on Instagram doesn't mean that she's the one and that she feels the same way, let's be honest.

Usually you can tell if somebody is interested in you. But, she seemed to hide the signs so well. I was absolutely desperate to just admit my feelings, but I couldn't do that and hurt my pride - you know? Maybe I was just being stupid? Most likely.

"You need to just ask her," Jamie told me when I asked for his advice. Jamie, unlike Joe, understood the whole concept - he was a little older and had been with his girlfriend, Lauren, for a couple of years now. "I was nervous when I asked Lauren, but look where that has got us. You need to be brave, otherwise you won't get anywhere." He was right.

With that, I began typing a message to her. "Hey, would you fancy coming out tomorrow night for dinner? x" it read. I was a little hesistent to press the 'send' button - but Jamie took the phone out of my hand and sent it anyway. "You knob," I exclaimed.

"It had to be done, sorry Ryan. You'll thank me soon."

A few minutes passed and I heard my phone buzz. I took it off of the table in which I placed it on, looked at the screen and saw "Yeah, sure. What time? x" Jamie leaned over the table, trying to peer at the message. "Good news?" He asked.

"Yeah," I said. "She's asked what time."

Jamie laughed, "Go on Ryan lad."

"Get stuck in there," Joe added, clearly absolutely p*ssed. The absolute lightweight. We'd only had a few!

Tomorrow night was going to be the night I finally opened up about my feelings towards her. It had been well over six months since we met and whilst the feelings weren't there immediately, they've grown as time has passed and the messages have become more frequent. Let's hope my pride wasn't going to be hurt, again...

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Jack: Yeah, I think three is a very much a suitable number of keepers to have. Hopefully we can find a club for Cornell and get a bit of money off of the wage bill, in the process.

Love these side-stories! Nice to also get away from football and focus on your life!