Holleran: Leamington have to keep moving forward

Leamington manager Paul Holleran says it is important Leamington do not stand still after comfortably securing their Conference North status.
Brakes celebrate after James Maces opener at Harrogate last Saturday. Picture: Sally EllisBrakes celebrate after James Maces opener at Harrogate last Saturday. Picture: Sally Ellis
Brakes celebrate after James Maces opener at Harrogate last Saturday. Picture: Sally Ellis

Brakes go into their bank holiday double-header comfortably ensconced in mid-table after a six-match unbeaten run which has allayed any lingering relegation fears.

A James Mace strike earned a point from play-off hopefuls Harrogate Town last Saturday and with their tricky debut season negotiated, Holleran says the next step has to be to establish Leamington as a Conference mainstay.

“We have continually moved the club forward,” he said.

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“We became a good side in the Southern League and then got promotion, but the Conference is a different kettle of fish with the size of the clubs and their budgets.

“The question is now, how can we keep moving forward? That is the next assignment.”

One of the key components of Brakes’ progression will be to fend off interest for some of their leading lights, with the goalscoring exploits of Danny Newton already gaining admiring glances.

And Holleran admits the financial restraints he works within puts them at the mercy of their big-spending rivals.

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“We’ve had half a dozen players who have performed very well for us this season so it’s important for the football club that we keep them.

“We’re probably the only side in the Conference without a contracted player.

“We can’t keep pulling rabbits out of the hat.

“So we’ll sit down with the powers that be and see where we go from here.”

However, before Holleran looks ahead to next season, he can enjoy a stress-free end to a campaign which barely seemed possible 14 games in.

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“I think back to the night at Worcester in November when we could have gone bottom of the league,” he said.

“It’s been hard work, but we’ve shown grit and some of the players that have come in have been brilliant for us.

“The lads that have come in have improved us and it’s important we keep the run going and finish on the front foot.”

Brakes face Boston tomorrow without Joe Magunda who is suspended for the visit of the play-off hopefuls and the trip to Gloucester City on Monday after picking up ten bookings.

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“Along with North Ferriby, Boston are the team that have given us the toughest game,” added Holleran.

“But we’re in good form and good spirits and we want to keep this unbeaten run going until the end of the season.”