Maltby Main joint manager Spencer Fearn
Spencer Fearn is confident Maltby Main can put their past seasons of struggle behind and push on for a positive campaign.
Fearn, who shares the manager’s job with Mark Askwith, celebrated his first win at the helm on Wednesday night when Maltby beat Retford at Muglet Lane.
The pair were appointed at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side back in May.
Fearn told Non League Yorkshire: “We need to build a foundation because the club has been on it’s backside for a few years.
“We have a fantastic group of players and great team spirit and if we finish in mid-table and get through a round or two in the FA Vase or Cup then we’ll be happy.
“The club has changed a lot over the summer.
“The committee is still the same, but we have brought 17 new players in, on top of the seven who were already here.”
Fearn was an unlikely choice for the Maltby job when him and Askwith replaced Mick Norbury.
Local businessman Fearn was previously the owner of Scottish League club East Stirling and the former vice-chairman of Stockport County.
He had only been in management since January when he joined Askwith at Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League outfit Joker.
However, Fearn insists that he always wanted a career in the dugout.
“I prefer being on the side of pitch with the lads coaching,” he added.
“I’m doing my coaching badges and I’ve just done my level two and I’m about to do my B License.
“I love football and Maltby is ten minutes away from where I live. I don’t have to go to Scotland or over to Stockport.
“I enjoy it and my co-manager Mark and me have been pals since I was ten years old.
“I started at Joker in January with Mark when they were struggling at the bottom of the league.
“We put a good team together and got to a cup final. (Maltby chairman) Wilf Race approached us for the Maltby job which was a pleasant surprise. Maltby is a good club.
“I didn’t expect the offer as we were enjoying what we were doing at the Joker and we were getting ready for a pre-season. We were hoping to have a go at winning the County Senior League.”
Maltby are in Emirates FA Cup action tomorrow when they head to Ashton Athletic for the Extra Preliminary Round clash.