The Career of Leo Nacho

Club Statement: Aston Mott departs and Leo Nacho arrives

23rd June 2063

By Chairperson Alex Howard

Aston Mott has departed his role as manager of Redditch United.

Aston was appointed in February of 2055 and played a key part in the club over the following 8 years.

Aston has decided for personal reasons to step away from football to spend more time with his family. The club is fully supportive of his decision and wish him the very best for the future. He will always be welcome at the Valley Stadium.

Aston let the club know about his intention to step away privately quite some time ago and we've been able to recruit a new manager to ensure as seamless a transition ahead of the 2063-2064 season. We've appointed young promising manager Leo Nacho, the son of legendary former manager Garry Nacho who will need little introduction to football fans around England.

The club would like to place on record it's thanks to Aston for his contribution to the club.

Leo Nacho vows to do things his way at the Valley Stadium

24th June 2063

By the Press Team

On his first day at the club.

It's a huge step for me and a real privilege that I've been trusted to be in charge of this club. I know we might be at level 12 of the football pyramid now, but we've got 172 years of history behind us and to me that means something. I've met a lot of people who volunteer at the club over the last few hours and I've honestly felt so welcomed, it's unbelievable.

On what his hopes are ahead of the 2063-2064 season.

Promotion! It just has to be promotion. We missed out last season by a single point, which hurts as we'd have been promoted on goal difference had we managed to pick up just one more point. That's pretty devastating for the fans, players and staff, but hopefully we can dust ourselves off and go one better in the next campaign. We're looking forward to the challenge.

On growing up as the son of legendary Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Garry Nacho.

Honestly it was amazing! People might want to hear me say otherwise, but it really was amazing. I'm still very young, I'm only 20, but having lived between Madrid and Manchester during my life I feel like I've experienced different cultures, different people and hopefully that'll help me in management. I'm a huge Manchester United fan as you'd imagine and I'm deeply proud of what my father was able to achieve at the club. I mean 12 Premier League titles in a row and 5 Champions Leagues speaks for itself.

On his football approach.

Not to sound boring or plain, but I want to be solid at the back and score goals. I don't want my side giving away cheap silly goals and I want us to entertain fans. I guess you can say I'm a product of being around my Dad so much, I want to watch good attacking football. However, I'll do things my way and I won't just be a copycat of my father that's for sure, it'll be different.

On how far the club can go.

Look everyone wants me to say I want to bring the club to the Premier League and win the Premier League and the Champions League. The reality is we're a million miles away from that as we sit here and speak, but in saying that who knows what the future in 20 to 30 years may hold. I think getting the club back to its glory days of competing in the National League is realistic in my mind and gaining entry into the Football League for the first time in the clubs history would be monumental. We'll need to make a lot of good decisions at this level and levels above to be able to make that dream come true, sprinkled with some luck in there too.

On his favourite football memory.

The 2060 Champions League final at the Puskas Arena. We beat our rivals Manchester City and the winner was scored by Murray Munro less than 60 seconds after they had made it 1-1. Beating our rivals in that manner was massive, but I think it was made sweeter as we'd lost 3-0 the previous year in the final against Chelsea and I'd seen how devastated my Dad was at the time, so to win it the following year was just a huge relief, but the way we did it with a youth academy graduate scoring the winner, priceless.

We didn't take our chances says Leo Nacho

1st September 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 0-1 Lichfield City Under 21s

On the result.

Look it's an absolute sucker punch at the end to lose in that manner! Obviously not what you'd like in your first game in charge, but that's football sometimes. Unfortunately, we hadn't taken our chances when we created them and they've taken full advantage in those final few minutes of the game following the sending off.

On the red card.

I mean what can you say? It is what it is really isn't it!? A bit of a silly tackle, a rash tackle and Jacub should know better with his experience. Once that happened you could see the game changed and they went looking for the winner. I don't think they'd had a shot on target prior to the red card, but no complaints really, we didn't take our chances and then we've given the referee a decision to make.

On what he told the players in the dressing room after the game.

I basically told them what I've told you. We're responsible for the result, not the referee and for 90 minutes we were basically the better side prior to the dismissal. I just said we should have won the game with the chances we created.

On that first half miss from Ben Bryant.

If that goes in just before half time, you'd fancy us to probably go on and get a few more goals. It would have been a fantastic team goal, but Ben just slid it beyond the far post. He knew it was a clear-cut chance and you could tell by his reaction after the miss he was gutted. Hopefully he can bounce back next weekend.

On squad depth.

We'll try to bring in more players, but you have to get the right players and personalities. We won't just sign anyone and that means getting players in on trial and seeing what their like around the training ground with the other players and staff. It takes time, but we're confident we've a few targets.

On next weeks trip to face Redditch Borough.

I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a better result than today, but I know it'll be a tough contest. It's worth remembering they beat us twice last season, home and away, so hopefully we can gain a bit of revenge next Saturday.

We deserved more goals today says Leo Nacho

8th September 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Redditch Borough Community Sports & Social Club

Redditch Borough 1-2 Redditch United

On the result.

An important win after the disappointment of last week and I'm very proud of the performance today. We deserved more goals today, I mean we hit the woodwork twice. If we learn to take those opportunities games will be a lot more enjoyable, but to come here and pick up the win and three points is fantastic. We've got to remember we lost both games to them last season, so yeah, a really good performance and a win to get us off and running is superb.

On another red card.

I don't think there's any real intent from Josh Allen to hurt anyone, but unfortunately it just ended up being a bad tackle. I think the referee could have given a yellow card, but also understand why he's sent him off. It was right before the half time break, so we had a chance to breathe and regroup. I'll need to have a chat to the players though because two red cards in two games isn't a good look and we can't keep giving other sides such a big advantage if we want to achieve promotion.

On what he told the players in the dressing room after the game.

I told them I was really pleased with the performance. The opening 20 minutes were brilliant and I don't think there's a team in this league that could go with us if we turn up like that. So that'll be the focus going forward, what do the players require during the week to get them ready for the match to be able to produce that from kick off. I think our second half performance was also brave and I let them know that. We played an entire half a man down and even after they got a goal back with a few minutes to go we hung on, so yeah, very pleased and I think we've got to be happy to win away from home.

On the performance from Ben Bryant and Fredrik Arvidsson.

Brilliant from both, no doubt about it, just brilliant. Ben has shown massive character to bounce back after missing the big chance last week when it was 0-0. His run in behind for the goal was elite and his touch and finish was brilliant. The assist from Fredrik was marvelous and was a real moment of magic. He then did well to get into the box after taking the free kick as we continued the attack and took his chance really well.

On picking up his first win as a manager.

It's a big relief and gets the monkey off the back. You can almost stop worrying about that and just get on with the job, so very pleased. In fairness the players have been superb since I took over and have really bought into what we're trying to implement, we've a clear idea about where we want to go and how we're going to play football to get there.

On the travelling fans.

Unbelievable really! There must have been over 100 fans here today and at this level that's superb. It just goes to show you that people care about football clubs even as little as ours. The atmosphere was incredible and I think the players fed off it at the beginning of the game, you could see it during the warmups that it really gave the lads a lift. I'd love to see them all back at the Valley Stadium in two weeks for the next game against Studley on the 22nd.

You can't fault the players effort says Leo Nacho

22nd September 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-1 Studley

On the result.

A bit of a mixed bag to be honest. I thought on the balance of play we were the better side today and deserved to win, but credit to them they kept fighting and took their chance when it fell to them. We need to do better in the final minutes of games, we’ll need to address that as we’ve conceded all three of our goals in the last 10 minutes. 

On another home game without a win.

It’s not ideal, but you can see the improvements we’ve made over the three league games to date. As I said we’ll need to fix the late goals and if we can do that then we’ll be in a much better position to win games at home. We were so close today, so it’s disappointing to drop more points at home. You can’t fault the effort though, that was there.

On his reaction to our opening three games of the season.

Like the result today it’s a bit of a mixed bag. A win, a draw and a loss, so we’ve certainly got room for improvement. I’d say it’s a pass, but it could have been much better if we’d drawn our opening game and won today, but the players will have to learn from these lessons. Better to learn earlier in the season than right at the end in my opinion.

On the two away games coming up against Highgate United and AFC Solihull.

I'm excited if I'm being completely honest. A chance to test ourselves against the sides in second and first respectively, so let's see how we compare and I mean ideally, you'd love to have two wins and six points in your back pocket after two away trips in a row. Hopefully we can have the fans turn out again in big numbers and really get behind the lads.

On whether there's any further signings to likely arrive.

We've a few players we're talking to at the moment who have been trialing at the club. Hopefully we can get a few over the line before our next game as it's always helpful to have different options.

Our second half was as bad as it gets says Leo Nacho

13th October 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Coppice

Highgate United 3-1 Redditch United

On the result.

A game of two halves really and we've not come out on the right side of the result. We were really good in the first half and got what we deserved when Mark McManus volleyed home. From there I'm thinking we'll go on and get the job done, but we've thrown it away in that second half, we were poor. The first goal is a huge deflection and it's right after the break, we never recovered, we need to do better mentally. Our second half was as bad as it gets to be honest.

On what went wrong.

I'm not sure right now, but I think the goal we conceded just shook us and we never got focused again, but why that happened will be something we'll need to try address between now and the AFC Solihull game. Another aspect is once again I'm sitting here talking about goals being scored after the 80th minute, which just isn't going to go hand in hand with getting promotion. That's five goals out of the six we've conceded that have come after the 80th minute, we need to do better and remain switched on. Goals that late change games dramatically and we just can't keep giving them away.

On whether promotion is still possible.

100% still possible, but obviously a little harder after suffering two defeats in our opening four games. It's only a 14-game season, so you don't have a ton of games to play catch up, but a good run of form and we'd be right back in the equation for promotion. We've got to go away now, lick our wounds and come back stronger.

On our next game away to AFC Solihull.

Another tough game considering the start they've made this season, but I've been told they did lose today so they might be a bit fragile when we do play them. We've got to focus on ourselves though and start playing football for 90 minutes, if we do that we'll be in a much better position to win games regardless of what the opposition do.

It's a big win for us says Leo Nacho

3rd November 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre

AFC Solihull 2-3 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a big win for us and I'm very happy we've been able to bounce back after the poor performance last time out. We certainly deserved the win, but made it a little bit more uncomfortable for ourselves towards the end. We seemed to switch off after we scored the third goal, but in the end showed the mental toughness to get the job done.

On what he said to the players at the break.

I just told them to continue working hard for each other and treat the game like it was 0-0. We knew they'd have a spell in the game at some stage and they did, I mean two goals in three minutes and you start to worry about the outcome. Thankfully we'd got that third goal by that stage from Fredrik Arvidssons wonderful free kick. The players deserved to win that game today, so I'm happy we got over the line in the end. Onto the next one now and hopefully a similar performance.

On whether the result can kick start our promotion challenge.

Definitely feels like this could be a turning point for a few reasons. We bounced back after our last game, we were truly the better side at 3-0, but then when things got tough we didn't collapse. Also, no goals in the final ten minutes, so that's a pleasant change and something we really needed to address. I'm delighted with the result today.

On the away fans.

Another fantastic turnout in my opinion. Half of the supporters here today were ours and they really made the atmosphere brilliant. I've no doubt that the players feed off it and today I think it helped get us over the line.

The momentum is growing says Leo Nacho

24th November 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-0 Inkberrow Reserves

On the result.

Probably our best performance since I've arrived here. We were dangerous throughout the game going forward and solid at the back, I don't recall them really getting a proper chance. It's a pleasing result and keeping a clean sheet is always nice.

On the clean sheet.

It's great, the first one of my managerial career and hopefully we can continue to do that. If you're not conceding goals you're always in with a chance of getting one down the other end and winning more games. Anthony Wood was fabulous on his debut today, really calm and composed when called upon.

On that wonder goal by Hunor Szekeres.

Absolutely out of this world, a special special goal. You won't see many better goals to be honest, I mean it's brave to even try it. What a goal though to take it down on his chest and control it with his thigh before smashing it on the volley into the top corner from outside the box. Their keeper was rooted to the spot and had absolutely no chance.

On the momentum generated from winning back to back games.

I think momentum is a massive part of football, just like confidence. To win back to back games could be a big moment for us and hopefully the players confidence and belief begin to grow after this. The momentum is growing and that's always good.

On almost being halfway through the season.

Some good days, some bad days, but you expect that. I'm a young manager learning every single day. Hopefully we can continue to improve in the second half of the season and fingers crossed be in with a shot at promotion come the final day.

Performance today was shockingly bad says Leo Nacho

16th December 2063

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Damson Park

Alvechurch Reserves 4-1 Redditch United

On the result.

Our worst performance to date and very disappointing. We've missed a big chance to keep our run going and keep pace with the teams at the top, it was a really poor performance today and credit to Alvechurch Reserves.

On what went wrong.

I think we turned up thinking we'd already won given the difference between their form and our form and the effort wasn't there. It was a very poor performance and quite confusing if I'm being completely honest.

On a missed opportunity.

Look they're bottom with a single point in six games and had only scored twice coming into the game today. To lose is one thing, but the manner of the performance today was shockingly bad. We conceded four goals and it just didn't look like the players cared enough out there today. I know they do care, but today we just looked beaten and flat from the jump, we were second best to everything. In the end we were well beaten and deserved nothing today.

On the chances of promotion.

Look it's still on the cards, but we're seven points behind Highgate United at the top. We'll need to beat them and probably need to win all of our remaining seven games to have a chance. Even if we're perfect we'll need others to pick up points against them, so all we can do is make sure we do our job and hopefully they have a bit of a wobble.

On the first half of the season.

It's been a big learning curve for me so far, but really enjoyable and hopefully we can improve in the second half of the season. We're not where we'd like to be in terms of results and performances, so we need to continue to work hard to achieve that. I'm hopeful we can still challenge for promotion. We'll take it one game at a time and see where we end up.

Late winner a just reward says Leo Nacho

5th January 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-0 Redditch Borough

On the result.

Every point is crucial at this point of the season and we really needed to bounce back after our disappointing performance in our last game. It wasn't pretty at times, a very gritty performance at times and our first half wasn't great. After the break I thought we were better, hungrier and we could have had a few goals. In the end I'm just happy we've won.

On the late winner.

It's a great feeling. To see the players and fans celebrating the goal with only a handful of minutes to go is a great thing. Hopefully we can kick on from here and really push for promotion come the end of the season. That late winner was a just reward for our performance. We deserved to win and it's crucial we found a way to win.

On Highgate United dropping points.

What a difference a game makes? Seven points turns into five points and if you assume we beat them it's only a two point gap. We just need to keep working hard, turn up on matchday and win all of our games. If we do that we might end up gaining promotion. I'll be reminding the players that we just need to take it game by game.

On the chances of promotion.

A tiny bit higher, but not by much. We've still got six games to play and as I've said I think we'd need to win them all, which will be tough. Again, we just need to take it game by game at this stage and see how long we can stay in the race.

It's a disappointing result says Leo Nacho

26th January 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the City Ground

Lichfield City U21s 2-2 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a disappointing result, despite the positive performance. We led twice in the game and we just couldn't get the job done. In the end I think they've only really had those two chances and one of them is one of the weirdest goals you'll see at any level of football. We probably needed a little bit of luck today and we didn't get it.

On the bizarre first goal for Lichfield City Under 21s.

As I said it's one of the weirdest goals you'll ever see and I don't think if I managed for the next 50 years I'd ever see it happen again. I mean a free kick that's lumped into the box from the halfway line that nobody connects with that skids off the turf and flies in the top corner, a weird incident and one I feel we're really unlucky to be on the receiving end of.

On our promotion hopes following this result.

The push for promotion isn't over, but it does get tougher when we don't pick up maximum points. We're running out of games to put pressure on Highgate United at the top and the runway for promotion is getting shorter.

On our final five fixtures.

We're lucky that three of those are at home, so that could in the end prove pivotal. As I've said before though we need to take it one game at a time because every game is a cup final at the moment. We'll probably need a little bit of luck along the way.

We're still in the promotion race says Leo Nacho

16th February 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Beehive

Studley 0-1 Redditch United

On the result.

A crucial win in my book. We needed to find a way to get the job done and I'm super relieved we've managed to do just that. We were certainly the better side today and after an hour you just wonder if it's going to be one of those days. Thankfully we got the goal and were very professional after doing so. We barely gave them a sniff after going ahead.

On the goal from Sam McIntyre.

It's a huge moment in the game and potentially the season for us. We were far better for the first hour of that game and Sam has scored a fantastic headed goal to secure a massive win for us. The anticipation to get to that deflected cross at the back post was superb, I'm very pleased and it's a credit to Sam that he's been involved in all ten games this season. He's been one of our best pieces of recruitment if you ask me. He's a young lad at just 19 who is improving every week.

On the importance of keeping that clean sheet.

I spoke about it earlier in the season being such a hugely important part of football. If you keep a clean sheet you give yourself a chance of getting a win, all you need is one moment and our defending today was superb.

On his first ten games in charge of Redditch United.

An absolute honour and pleasure. It's been such a learning experience and at times stressful, no doubt about that, but it's been incredible. We're still wanting to get promotion at the end of the season, so I guess we'll assess the season after another four games and see how we've gone. I'm just grateful for the support shown from the fans and players.

On the final push for promotion.

We're still in the race for promotion and it might just come down to the final day of the season again. We just need to keep working hard, improving with each training session and believe that we're good enough to get the job done.

I’m so proud of the players says Leo Nacho

8th March 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-3 Highgate United

On the result.

Firstly, what a game, I mean that was unbelievable. Obviously we needed to beat them and we’ve fallen just short of achieving that. I think we shot ourselves in the foot giving them the two goal headstart, but I’m so proud of the players today. To fight back against the best team in the league is incredible, we pulled ourselves off the canvas multiple times.

On what the result means for our promotion hopes.

I’m an optimist but I think it’s likely we’ll be preparing for next season now. There’s only three games remaining and they’re five points clear of us with a substantially better goal difference, so catching them is unlikely.

On hitting the woodwork multiple times.

It was frustrating and it hurts nobody more than the players out there. They’ve given everything this season to try achieve promotion and we’ll probably fall just short of that target. Hitting the woodwork on the many occasions has cost us dearly here today, like on another day they’ll all go in and you’re winning 6-3, but not today when we needed it most.

On spending another season at Level 12.

Not ideal, we wanted to build and get promoted, but we’ve not been able to get the consistency of performance needed to make that happen. It’s still mathematically possible, but it’s very unlikely.

On planning for next season.

We’ve a lot of really good youth players coming through and we’ll try build around them. If we do things the right way we’ll be in a superb position for years to come, but it might take a bit more time. I’d hope the fans will continue to back us as we what to make sure this club gains promotions but also remains safe from going bust. We’ve seen many clubs fly close to the sun and it end in disaster. That's something the board and myself want to avoid, so we'll need patience and time.

Promotion realistically impossible says Leo Nacho

29th March 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-1 AFC Solihull

On the result.

We deserved more today but we just couldn't find that second goal to take control of the game. Credit to them as they fought well today to get their point, but we should have got the win. In the end we just need to dust ourselves off and go again next time out. We've two games left and I want two wins from them to finish off the season, the fans deserve that in my opinion.

On the missed penalty.

It wasn't a bad penalty, just a great save by the goalkeeper and a huge moment in the game. We'd gone behind in the first ten minutes, but if we'd made it 1-1 barely ten minutes later we'd have had so much more time to grab the winner. As it was they frustrated us for another forty minutes of football and didn't fall apart once we did find the breakthrough.

On hitting the woodwork multiple times for the second game in a row.

I've honestly never seen anything like it and hope I don't see it happen again. If you don't take your chances this can happen and that's six or seven times we've hit the woodwork over the last two games. Had we taken the chances against Highgate United and again today promotion would still be realistic, but it is what it is at this point in time.

On whether promotion can still happen.

I mean mathematically it can, but it's realistically impossible. I don't see them losing both games and that's what has to happen for us to finish top. Five points clear with a much superior goal difference and only two games to play means we'd need a miracle for them not to win it. To be honest they deserve it and credit where credit's due, congratulations to Highgate United on a tremendous season. To be unbeaten after 12 games is a real achievement.

On next season.

We'll hopefully have learned some harsh but valuable lessons for next season. Hopefully we can go away over the summer and have a good rest, recruit the right players and come back with our goal being promotion.

We were ruthless today says Leo Nacho

20th April 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Sands Road

Inkberrow Reserves 2-4 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a very convincing win and very pleasing. A bit disappointing to concede twice towards the end and we'll address that in private, but overall a great day for us. We were ruthless today and took our chances when we made them. Credit to the boys for that performance, it could have been very easy to not turn up after missing out on promotion, but we were at the races right from the kickoff and it shows with the result. A professional and ruthless performance, one of our best this season.

On Zak Harrison scoring a brace.

It's brilliant and just what he needed. He's played a half dozen or so games and not scored for us, so we're delighted he's off the mark. His movement today was excellent, he took both his opportunities like an elite striker and today you wouldn't have swapped him for anybody in the world, not even Joao Joao Vieira who won the Balon d'Or last season.

On the man of the match performance from Fredrik Arvidsson.

Another class performance from him to be honest and he's been like that for much of the season. That's 12 goal involvements in 13 games, just fantastic and we wouldn't be sitting second in the league if we didn't have him.

On our final game next week against Alvechurch Reserves.

I hope we get good weather and the fans turn up at the Valley Stadium. I know we've fallen short again this season and will finish second for a second consecutive season, but I'd love to see a big turnout for the players to feed off. If we can do that I think we'll reward the fans with a big performance. We also want revenge for what happened back in December.

It's a great way to end the season says Leo Nacho

26th April 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 4-1 Alvechurch Reserves

On the result.

I'm delighted for everyone associated with the club. From the kitchen lady to the volunteers who sweep the stands up after the games, this is for them. The players really turned up today for our fans, who by the way have been fantastic all year, through the highs and the lowest lows, this was for them. It's a great way to end the season and hopefully we bring this ruthless approach in front of goal into next season. Nothing but promotion will do next season for this club.

On academy graduate Darren Saunders opening the scoring.

A tremendous moment for Darren and hopefully the first of many to come for him in his career. Whether that's here or somewhere else, I hope getting that first professional career goal lights the fire in him. At 16 years of age, you never know what the future holds, but I hope his future is in football and high up the football pyramid as he's a great lad, a real testament to his parents. A local lad coming through and scoring his first goal at home in front of his family and friends is just fantastic.

On a third man of the match performance in a row from Fredrik Arvidsson.

I mean it's an incredible individual effort on his part to try drag us over the line to get promotion. Unfortunately, it's not enough, but my oh my what a player. He seems to get better with each game and today he was superb.

On his message to the fans ahead of next season.

Please come down to support us again. I know it's deeply disappointing to miss out on promotion for a second consecutive season, finishing second again, getting so close, but we need you next season and I really do believe that this playing group with your tremendous support can go one better next year and win this league. Enjoy your summers, stay safe and we'll see you down here at the Valley Stadium next season to push for promotion.

Only promotion will suffice this season says Leo Nacho

29th August 2064

By the Press Team

On how his summer went.

It was pretty relaxing and much needed. Got to spend time with family and friends, relax and recharge the batteries. I'm sure many would like to know so I'll get out ahead and answer it before it's asked, but yes, I spent time with my father and we spoke about football, a little about Redditch United, a lot about just football in general. He's obviously retired a year now and it's great to speak to him about the game without all the stress of him managing Manchester United.

On what his first season report card mark would be.

Well the club kept me on, so I'm guessing that's a pass? Look the fans have been incredible in every interaction I've had since the season finished. I think it's really hit me how much they care, but also how much they understand the situation. Only a single side goes up and it's a short season, there's little room for error and a few bad results shortens your runway drastically. I don't think I did too bad for my first season as a manager, there was some good days and some bad days, but I'd like to think I've learned the necessary lessons to be able to put things right this year.

On what a successful second season in charge looks like.

It's promotion, plain and simple. Nothing else will suffice in my opinion. We've spent four years at this level, three in this league and we've finished the last two seasons in second place. We need to secure promotion this season or it's a failure.

On team news for the opening game tomorrow against Birmingham University Medics.

Ben Bryant is out injured, that's a certainty and we'll obviously be without Curtis Gibson and Sam McIntyre who have left the club during the summer. We'd known about Curtis since the end of the season, but losing Sam a week before the opening game is far from ideal, I mean, we're all aware of how important he was at times last season playing on the left wing. Anyway, we're set for tomorrow, it'll be a tough game, but I believe the playing group is ready and fit for the start of the season.

Arvidsson nets winner as Reds start season with away win

30th August 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Four Dwellings Academy

Birmingham University Medics 0-1 Redditch United

On the result.

I'm delighted, the players are delighted back in the changing rooms and I'm sure the travelling fans are too. We deserved the three points today and it probably flatters them that it was only 1-0 in the end. At the end of the day if you'd offered me a 1-0 win before the game, I'd have gladly taken it and now it's onto the next one now next week.

On another crucial performance from Fredrik Arvidsson.

Another great performance from him and a vital goal for us. Just a few minutes after the half time break and he's delivered a moment of magic for us. We spoke about starting the second half switched on and I couldn't ask for anymore. Fredrik's a fan favourite and it's easy to see why. Here's hoping that's the first of many good performances from him this season.

On whether the result was a fair reflection.

Yeah, I believe it's a fair reflection of how the game went. I've a mate of mine who does analysis for me during the games and he's said our XG was almost 3 and there's was about 0.5, so going off XG and I know it's not for everybody, but going off XG it's clear we created more. Apparently, we'd 13 shots on target today, so as I've said earlier, I think 1-0 kind of flattered them.

On our first home game of the season against Alvechurch Reserves next week.

I think it's important we produce a good performance and follow this win up with another. Momentum at this level is so vital, it really can't be spoken about enough. We dropped too many points at home last season, so I'd like us to improve on that starting next week and we'll need to turn up as they'll be after revenge following the 4-1 drubbing last season.

Lewis English silences away side as 10 men Reds get the job done

6th September 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 2-0 Alvechurch Reserves

On the result.

It's a superb result. We played 77 minutes with ten men and kept a clean sheet. We also looked dangerous going forward on many occassions, but I'm even more pleased that the work on corners and free kicks during the week has paid off. When both your centre backs score headers, one from a corner and another from a free kick you know your players have been listening during the week. Scoring so soon after the red card was a big moment for us and our defensive performance today was solid.

On the red card.

No complaints from me really. It's a bad tackle and the referee got it right, no complaints.

On that celebration from Lewis English.

It's a bit cheeky and I'll probably have a word, but this is Sunday league football and the lad has just scored his first goal for the club. Also, I'm not being funny or anything, but the way their players reacted after the sending off was poor, celebrating as if they'd won the lottery, so I can understand why Lewis has reacted the way he has in the moment.

On the injury to Craig Murray.

It's a broken ankle. It's a bad one and he's gone to the hospital straight from the ground. He'll need surgery and he'll obviously be out for quite some time after that injury. I rang him before and he's in good spirits, but it'll be a few months before we've got him back available. I think he'll have surgery tomorrow morning, so we're wishing him all the best.

On winning our first two games of the season.

I can't ask for more. Two games, two wins, no goals conceded. We've been deserving winners in both of our opening games and hopefully we can keep that momentum going now and really kick on. It's the best possible start when chasing promotion.

Arvidsson penalty enough to secure draw as Reds remain unbeaten

20th September 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Central Ground

Paget Rangers 1-1 Redditch United

On the result.

Probably a fair result, but a frustrating one when you consider we've conceded just two minutes after going ahead. With 20 minutes remaining you're hopeful that you can hold out and get the win, but they've replied instantly and we'll need to learn from that. We're still in a very good position being unbeaten to start the season, so let's focus on the positives.

On the penalty.

It's a clear penalty if you're asking if it was a penalty and it's a great finish from Fredrik if you're asking me about the actual penalty. To wait for the keeper to move and chip it right down the middle takes a lot of courage. For those that may remember it's reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane scoring that penalty against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final.

On a feisty encounter.

It was a good old fashioned English Sunday league scrap to be honest. Five yellow cards in the first half and then another two in the second half, but in fairness I don't think there was anything nasty from any of the players and the referee did a great job keeping control of that game. I've no complaints about any of the cautions we got today.

On an update on Craig Murray following his ankle operation.

He's had his surgery on the ankle and everything went well according to the orthopedic specialists. Early suggestion is about four months, so maybe a return in December but more likely January if everything goes well with his rehab. He's very thankful for all the messages of support sent so far from the fans and I know he wanted me to pass that on.

Arvidsson at the double as the Reds thump Lichfield City Under 21s

11th October 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 5-2 Lichfield City Under 21s

On the result.

It's a superb win and a superb performance by the lads. It's important to remember they beat us here last year, so it's good to get that one back and the manner of the performance is also very pleasing. We blew them away out there today and could have had more goals on another day. It's another positive step closer to promotion.

On another magical Fredrik Arvidsson performance.

I'm running out of words and things to say about him. Four goals in four games this season and he's looking unstoppable at the moment. At the moment we just need to feed the Swede and let him do the rest because at the moment he's feasting.

On Jamie Edwards man of the match showing.

I mean it's not very often you see a player score two goals in a match and someone else gets man of the match, but Jamie Edwards deserves it after that performance. The fullback on that side will be having nightmares after that game, he had no answer all day long. Edwards pace was too much and he made all the difference today creating three goals.

On moving three points clear at the top of the table.

It's a great position to be in after four games and I'm delighted for the players. We need to remain focused on each game now and just take it game by game, but very happy by the start we've made.

Edwards brace keeps Reds three points clear at the summit

1st November 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-1 Redditch Borough

On the result.

Another great performance and another important three points. The start was absolutely perfect and scoring after just 55 seconds really put them on the back foot. We were coasting at 2-0 and responded well after they got their goal, so I'm pleased with that. We're almost halfway through the season and at this rate promotion is looking likely.

On our unbeaten start to the 2064/2065 season.

It's been brilliant to date and the goal now is to continue turning up game after game. Based off our performances I don't think there's a side in the league that can actually compete with us when we're playing like that.

On another man of the match performance from Jamie Edwards.

He did really well today and has taken his game to another level this season. It's great feeling as a manager when your wingers are chipping in with goals, because it takes the pressure off your strikers. The fact that Jamie has contributed to six goals this season is fantastic and we're hopeful he can continue to put in those types of performances.

On the push for promotion.

We're in a great spot at the moment, three points clear at the top and I'm very happy with how we've been performing to get into that position. There's still a good number of games to go, so we've got a lot of work to do, but at this stage it's shaping up to be a very good season for the club. Hopefully come the end of April we'll be champions.

Zak Harrison double sends the Reds five points clear at the top

23rd November 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Sands Road

Inkberrow Reserves 1-3 Redditch United

On the result.

Absolutely thrilled to come here and get the win. The performance was also extremely pleasing and we deserved to win that game today. It took a little longer than I would have liked to put it to bed, but in the end it's another big win for us and we're on course for promotion at this stage. To be five points clear at this stage of the season is a great situation to be in.

On Paget Rangers dropping points yesterday.

It was good news to get yesterday afternoon and we knew coming here today we'd a chance to extend the lead at the top to five points. We got off to the perfect start and I think 3-1 is a fair scoreline at a minimum, we could have and probably should have scored more today. We've been better in front of goal this season and I'm thrilled with the improvement.

On Zak Harrison getting off the mark with a brace.

Delighted for him and he took both of his goals really well. He'd gone really close in our previous games and I just kept telling him to keep getting in the right areas, the goals will come and today he got his reward. It was big performance from Zak for us today. It was a pity he had to come off just before the break with the knock, which I'm assured is nothing major, but yeah, had he remained on the pitch for the full game he may have scored four or five given the mood he was in out there today.

Double from Arvidsson not enough as Studley stage late fight back

13th December 2064

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 3-3 Studley

On the result.

We've got to be upset and disappointed about letting a two goal lead slip at home with 15 minutes remaining. It's a poor result given the position we were in during the game, but credit to Studley they've fought back and never given up. They'll think they probably got what they deserved for their effort, but I think we've missed too many chances at the other end and then conceded sloppy goals at the other. The players need to learn from that experience and hopefully it won't happen again.

On our promotion push at the halfway mark.

It's looking good and I'm content with the position we've put ourselves in. I'm reminding the players it's only half a job done, we've still seven games to play and Paget Rangers are going to fight until the very end. It's pleasing, but again our focus has got to be there game to game, I mean we seen what happened today when we switched off.

On the departures of Craig Murray, Jamie Edwards, John Moran and Lewis English.

It's obviously disappointing to lose those four lads who had become important first team players. At this level though if a team one or two divisions above can offer players some money per game or free meals during the week through a sponsorship the lads haven't much of a choice to make. I wish them all the best moving forward as they're all great blokes.

On whether there'll be players brought in to strengthen the squad.

We've already brought in players in anticipation of this happening. Nathan Bell can play the role that Moran did and Shavar Colquhoun can play on the left wing and right wing so is the perfect cover for Murray and Edwards. To be honest I don't think we ever stop looking for new players, it's just part and parcel of managing a squad at this level.

Arvidsson and Harrison impress as rampant Reds score six

4th January 2065

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from Damson Park

Alvechurch Reserves 2-6 Redditch United

On the result.

Exceptional performance from the lads. We dusted ourselves off after the disappointment of last time out and we've delivered today. I think we were good value for the win and scoring six goals is great to see. We probably could have done better for both their goals, not ideal conceding from transitions after we'd initially defended the corners, but a 6-2 win away from home at a ground that we lost 4-1 last season, so yeah, I'm very happy with that and we remain three points clear.

On the performances from Fredrik Arvidsson and Zak Harrison.

Just superb, I mean that's all you can really say. Both of them were the best players on that pitch today and it's really pleasing to see the partnership they've formed over the last few months playing upfront together.

On injuries to Scott Haverty and Elvis Joseph in training before the game.

A big blow to lose those two lads to injuries, but sometimes freak accidents just happen. Scott went up for a header with Elvis and on landing has dislocated his shoulder. To make matters worse somehow as he's fallen he's fallen on the leg of Elvis and it's just a freak accident in which his leg has broke. Elvis will be out for the remainder of the season, looking at seven or eight months out and it'll require surgery to fix. Far from ideal to lose your starting left back and centre back in one moment, but we'll cope with the absences as best we can. It also means there's opportunities for some of our younger players to step up.

On the upcoming double header at home.

Those next two games could be season defining. I hope the fans turn up in their numbers and make it a really tough atmosphere for Birmingham University Medics and then Paget Rangers. If we win both of those games we'll have one hand on the title and promotion. It won't be easy, but we'll prepare as best as we can and fingers crossed deliver the right performances.

Arvidsson hat-trick sends the Reds 5 points clear of Paget Rangers at the top

24th January 2065

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 4-0 Birmingham University Medics

On the result.

It's a big result for us today and I'm very pleased with the performance in testing conditions. Paget Rangers dropped points, so we've increased the lead to five points at the top and that is the perfect situation heading into our game with them in a few weeks. If we can beat them, it'll really strengthen our grip on promotion and I feel that our next game's probably the biggest one we've had since I took the job here. All the pressure is on them as they've got to come here and beat us.

On the five-point gap at the top of the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division table.

It's a big deal when you think of how few games are left to play and a massive deal when you look at the fixtures list and see that we're hosting Paget Rangers in our next game. If we win that there'd be an eight-point gap with just four games remaining, so it would be hard to see us not winning the league title from there. Promotion is in our hands and we need to get the job done.

On the form and performance from hat-trick hero Fredrik Arvidsson.

He's been an integral player for the club over the last few years and I think you're seeing a player that's matured. That's 44 league goals in 143 league appearances for the club after coming through the academy and he's really gone to another level this season for us. That's 11 goals so far this season and I hope he can stay fit and keep scoring in our remaining five games. His performance today was top shelf.

Promotion battle finishes 1-1 but Reds remain 5 points clear at the top

14th February 2065

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Redditch United 1-1 Paget Rangers

On the result.

You kind of got the feeling today was a must not lose game for us and must win game for them, so going off that I'm pretty happy with the result. I would have loved to pick up the three points, but it's now a situation that they're running out of games to catch us and that'll see the pressure mount on them. I'm content with the result, although based on the performance we deserved to win.

On another goal and man of the match performance from Fredrik Arvidsson.

Just copy and paste whatever I've said earlier this season. He's been superb for us all season and he's irreplaceable at this stage.

On the gap at the top of the table staying at five points.

I'm very happy that our form to date has put us in a pretty strong position and whilst I'd have loved to win today, not losing is big. We need seven more points and we're getting promotion as our goal difference is much better. So, very pleased that we've put ourselves in this position over the previous nine games and it remains intact after today.

On the remaining four games.

I'd rather be in our position leading by five points. The last four games see us play just one at home and we'll need to win that in my opinion and probably pick up another win on the road. I think that might be enough to clinch promotion. Obviously, we'll be aiming to win all four, but it doesn't always go to plan, but I'll be reminding the lads to just take it game by game at this stage.

On what promotion would mean to the club.

It would be massive, absolutely massive and there's no denying that. We're still miles away from our past glory days, but you can't end up at the destination without the journey and this is step one or stage one of the journey, promotion out of Level 12.

Arvidsson the hero as the Reds take advantage of Paget Rangers slip up

7th March 2065

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Valley Stadium

Lichfield City Under 21s 0-3 Redditch United

On the result.

Exactly what the doctor ordered. The game was done by half time and it's a testament to the players that we've consistently turned up this season on the road. We knew today was a game as the finish line draws closer and another three points here today is massive.

On his first 25 games in charge of Redditch United.

It's been a pleasure and a big learning curve. I don't think there's been a day when I've not learned something and despite it being exhausting at times it's been one of the most enjoyable periods of my life.

On Paget Rangers dropping points.

I had a feeling the pressure might start to show and it has today. I knew our last game against them was a must win for them and the race for promotion is firmly in our own hands.

On whether or not we've all but secured promotion.

I mean it looks that way right now, but there's still nine points to play for so we're not guaranteed it just yet being seven points clear, but look you'd really rather be in our camp at this stage. Again, not to sound like a broken record, but I'll just gently remind the players to focus on the next game, let's deal with that one, next cab off the rank and that way we're remaining grounded.

Promotion secured in style with 4-2 win over Redditch Borough

28th March 2065

By the Press Team

Coventry Alliance League Premier Division

Full Time from the Redditch Borough Community Sports & Social Club

Redditch Borough 2-4 Redditch United

On the result.

It's a superb performance and a great result. We knew coming here today that a win would be enough to see us be crowned champions and secure promotion, so there was a lot of pressure coming into the game, but hats off to the players they were fantastic and the title's fully deserved. It's a fantastic achievement by some fantastic players, everyone's delighted.

On what promotion means for himself personally and the playing group.

Massive, absolutely massive and hopefully this will light the fire in the boys to want to go even further next season. What a feeling to be the side that secures promotion after four years at this level. For me personally I'm mostly just relieved and obviously I'm happy, but relieved that we've been able to get the job done. I said at the start of the season only promotion would suffice and we've done it.

On the 131 travelling fans here today.

We've had absolutely fantastic support all season, home and away, but today was something else. I'm so glad we were able to put in that performance today and secure promotion as a reward for the fans tremendous support all season. We've gone so close the last two seasons, so getting over the line today is a huge relief. I hope the fans enjoy their weekend and remember to stay safe too.

Promotion by numbers as Leo Nacho leads the Reds to title

29th March 2065

By the Press Team

1 - The number of teams this season that avoided defeat against the Reds, with both our fixtures against Paget Rangers finishing 1-1. 

2 - The number of seasons it took Leo Nacho to secure promotion.

3 - The amount of times the Reds have been held to a draw this season.

4 - The number of times Fredrik Arvidsson has scored from the penalty spot this season.

6 - The number of assists from Crossley Byles who is a joint leader for assists in the league.

8 - The number of separate games that Fredrik Arvidsson scored in this season.

9 - The number of wins this season.

10 - The number of points we currently lead by at the top of the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division.

12 - Games unbeaten this season.

13 - The number of goals we've conceded this season, the best defence in the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division. Also, the different number of goalscorers we've had this season.

14 - The number of times Fredrik Arvidsson has scored this season.

16 - The number of points the Reds picked up on the road in there six away games.

19 - Games without losing in the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division. A run that stretches back to December 2063.

26 - The total number of games Leo Nacho needed to win his first piece of silverware as a manager.

36 - The number of goals the Reds have scored this season in the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division, the highest amongst the 12 teams in the league, 22 goals from Paget Rangers and Studley the next best behind the Reds.

55 - The average percentage of possession the Reds have per game. Only Birmingham University Medics have a higher average. 

61 - The win percentage since Leo Nacho took charge of Redditch United.

62 - The number of goals we've scored in the 26 games under Leo Nacho.

154 - Our average attendance this season.