21 Questions With... DC

Name: Danny Caldecott (DC)

Age: 39

Position: Manager

Trafford FC manager, DC has enjoyed a great career at non-league level, playing for Stalybridge Celtic, Hyde United, Ashton United, Nantwich Town, New Mills, Droylsden before ending his playing career at Trafford FC in 2015. DC then became Tom Baker's assistant manager for the 2017/18 season and then in June 2020, he took the step up to become our manager. Despite a stop-start beginning to life as manager (due to covid-19), we got a glimpse of what life under DC is going to be like as we saw a youthful team just fall short in the last couple of months of reaching a play-off spot. Whilst expectations of others outside of the club aren't high, I know the supporters' are very excited to see what the coming season will bring.

1. First up; the result and performance against AFC Liverpool: how pleased were you with that?

Obviously really pleased to win, score 6 goals without conceding but we were frustrated at times during the game. The boys know in parts we were clinical, however for periods we were sloppy. But as first games go, against a good AFC Liverpool side (who have won this week 1-6) we will take it. 

2. And pre-season as a whole, how would you say it's gone?

Pre season has been good, we’ve had some excellent tests within the games we’ve played and the boys have worked extremely hard. The attitude has honestly been first class, they’ve really bought into how we want to play, set up and approach each game.

3. Again, like last season, the overall squad seems very young; what positives does that bring to the table?

I think that’s the way to go when you work with the resources we have at our club. The positives are many though: the young lads bring enthusiasm, desire and a big hunger to learn/develop at our fantastic club. Having said that though, I have to also mention our more experienced players: Ast, Coops, Bentham and Dorns - these lads are crucial to creating and managing a good, positive but firm environment for the young lads to embrace.

4. We have one or two injuries going into the season - how big were the injuries we suffered in terms of how our season ended last season?

We always seem to be dealing with some injuries which is really unfortunate and frustrating for us as a management team and obviously the players themselves. Kane and Alfie are big losses as they have so much more to offer than we have already seen. Unfortunately though they’re both nursing similar issues to last season. Sloany decided to confuse his ambitions and capabilities in Magaluf and ended up suffering a fractured jaw. Now coops is nursing a knee issue which will keep him out for a few weeks. All four are integral to what we want to do this season so we want them back asap. Last season was one we learned an awful lot from, Me, Gibbo and Jack analysed everything. But ultimately when you lose Neildy and Ross to rival teams, add the Alfie, Keil and Max injuries and it’s always going to have a huge impact on what you can ultimately achieve. Having said that we finished the season poorly, which we learned so much from. It’s our first rodeo in management and we are going to make mistakes, hopefully this season will showcase how we have learned from them.

5. And how key do you think it'll be to have better luck with regards to injuries this season, our squad isn't the biggest?

If we can avoid further injuries then we have a better chance of winning more games. I don’t say that arrogantly, it’s the belief we have in the group. Believe it or not we feel the options we have are very good and super competitive within the squad. One thing we highlighted from last season was lack of options and it’s something we will ensure to have in abundance this campaign. Not just for us as a management team but to keep competition healthy in the squad too.

6. Management - how do you enjoy it compared to having been a player?

It’s such a tough question this because as a player you can directly influence many things on the pitch with your own performances. As a manager you try and do everything you possibly can to emulate this but ultimately it’s down to the players to carry out your beliefs and leadership on the pitch. So in all honesty I enjoyed being a player more! However, the one thing I do really enjoy about management is seeing people realise their potential and successfully progressing themselves. It’s very pleasing knowing you’ve played a part in someone moving up the pyramid. 

7. How would you sum up your management style/philosophy in a sentence?

I try to be approachable, open minded, honest and positive towards everyone. 

8. You are very much loved at Trafford; the fans find your enthusiasm and positivity infectious. What makes it such a good place for you to be around?

I feel really well supported and understood at SV. This for me is huge, when I represent real, honest hard working people its easy to be myself. I genuinely mean this when I say it, Trafford has helped me immensely with my own mental health. I can’t explain it without sounding a bit cheesy, it just feels like home. Anyone going to work should have an environment that provides support, encouragement and belief. All people involved at Trafford are all of the above, resulting in me being how I am. 

9. You've been here a few years now: first as a player then a coach and now the manager. How has the club changed/evolved during that time?

It’s massively progressed in my opinion, which started with gaff (Bakes) I think he really set the wheels in motion with his leadership. Crowds continue to rise, people feed of each other’s energy and the values of the club remain very high. I honestly feel everyone that visits Trafford leaves with huge contentment and respect for the club equally as when we visit opposition. Another thing I have seen progress is the increase in younger supporters. We have also tried to bring the youth team into the club more and I’m not sure there’s been so many 16/17 year olds playing for the first team whether it be friendlies or competitive games. This is very satisfying to oversee, the youth are always the future. 

10. Realistically, what are your aims for the coming season?

Realistically, to be competitive in every single game. Of course we would love to be an outside bet for the play offs. But the league this season is incredibly difficult with the budgets and quality of opposition. We are bottom 4 in terms of this as many clubs have an array of resources, however this will never be an excuse. It’s a challenge and one we will be ready for! 

11. Our first opponents, Skelmersdale: they were promoted last season. What do you expect from them?

A very tough game! A team that has just won promotion is a very dangerous team. They have some real quality and I expect Skem to more than hold their own this season. 

12. Favourite ground other than Shawe View?

Bower fold (Stalybridge) 

13. Outside the current squad (so not to upset anyone), who is the best player you've coached?

I’d have to say Josh Granite, there are probably many better technical and with natural abilities. However Josh had everything you’d ever want in a player: heart, desire, leadership, maturity, mental strength and most of all the ability to take information on that helped him develop. He’s done incredible for himself and don’t be surprised to see him in a dug out in the future! 

14. We (supporters) pride ourselves on offering great support, both home and away; what's the best support from us you can remember?

Very difficult to separate the two, so I’m mentioning them both: Prescott away in the play offs (forget the result) and the cup final at FC United against Farsley. Both were absolutely incredible!

15. We always ask this to the players but how important is the vocal support to you and the coaches?

It’s huge! It helps everyone, seeing and hearing passion from our people is highly motivating and inspiring. Keep up the brilliant support.

16. I myself (Glinks) haven't seen you win away from home for over 12 months now, admittedly I've not been away as often as I'd have liked but what's your verdict: Am I a bad omen?

Do not go to SKEM! 

17. Only one can happen and you can control it; Liverpool wins the league this season or Trafford. What are you picking?

I love Jurgen and the boys but it’s would be Trafford all day! 

18. What's your greatest achievement in football?

Scoring 55 goals for Heyside Juniors U-12s! No only joking even though that’s true! I won a few cups with Stalybridge, Ashton and Trafford but probably the league cup win with Ashton under Danny Johnson. We were very underrated in my time there so I think showing people what we were capable of was very satisfying back then. 

19. And biggest disappointment?

The play off defeat against Prescott, genuinely believe if we had beat them we’d have gone up! 

20. Ahead of the new season, what would you say to supporters in terms of what we can expect from this DC team?

Honest and hard working first and foremost. But 100% expressive and a team full of passion, playing for the shirt with freedom. These lads are desperate to do well equally as are we! 

21. Who are you nominating for the next 21 Qs With? 

The Butcher

Thank you so much DC for your time and massive good luck for the season ahead - you know we're right behind you! Sorry, but I will be there on Saturday against Skem... lets break omen!