ALEX TRANSFORMS VICS FROM PERENNIAL NO HOPERS TO TOP 6 WESSEX DIV 1 SIDE

East Cowes Vics manager Alex Smith has now been in the Beatrice Avenue hot seat for a year – and what a year it has been! Alex began his tenure at Vics with a baptism of fire – a home derby against high-flying Newport, which ended in a 0-2 defeat. Alex’s 2nd game saw Vics go down 1-2 to bottom club Fleet Spurs. However, after suffering 2 initial defeats, Vics rose from 18th spot in Wessex Division 1 (the 3rd relegation position) to end the season in 15th place – 11 points above the relegation places. This season, Vics are currently in 6th place, 5 points and 1 place below the playoff positions. Island Echo asked Alex whether it had been difficult to decide to take on the manager’s role. Alex replied:

“Chairman Mark Greenslade contacted me out of the blue. “I very politely told him ‘no thank you’, and that I wasn’t interested. “Mark made it clear he had big plans for the future of the club, and that I was the manager he wanted. After a few days of deliberation and conversations with those closest to me, I’d made a U-turn and gladly accepted my first managerial role.

Alex has commented on the changes made since taking over:

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“Before taking over, I was able to watch the team play once, against Fawley in a 7-1 home defeat. Those around me very quickly asked various versions of ‘What on earth have you got yourself into?’. “But on that day I saw a core group of players who worked hard and cared about the club. “I was confident that I could support their endeavours, give them some structure and guidance, and channel their efforts more efficiently. Many of those players are still first-team regulars now: Alex Ram, Toby Snow, Charlie Marsek, Liam Newbold, Harrison Yates, Harrison Berry, and Jordan Chapman.”

Alex has also spoke about new signings that have transformed Vics into a Division 1 top 6 side:

“Callum Chase has undoubtedly been of huge significance to our development so far. He came in with me from the very beginning as captain and we’ve never looked back. “Harry Taylor won Player of the Year last season after scoring and creating some very important goals. His impact was especially enjoyable as he wasn’t somebody I went out and signed, but who came forward with their hand up to say ‘I want to have a proper crack at this level and I want to do it with Vics’.

“Josh Neale and Adam Voller were big signings last season. Josh was brave to make the move from Cowes and has been a big player for us ever since – he’s versatile, dynamic, a great finisher and has an outstanding attitude to learning. I’m still particularly proud to have Adam involved, as I’ve coached him for a very long time – I think I probably first worked with him around 10 years ago when he was 9. “Ji Nash has added real technical quality in terms of his dribbling, combination play and finishing; Ted Mumford has made a well-deserved breakthrough into regular Wessex football; Aedan Coode has kicked on a gear from his Cowes days and has added tremendous athleticism to his already highly technical skill set. “Brad Young has shown other players how to handle yourself through tough times, having been injured and suspended for spells already – but consistently turns up, gets his head down and works hard with no fuss. “The acquisition of Jez Conway from Cowes is significant and is further proof that we’re serious about this project being a success. He’ll have a huge say in the way the second half of our season looks and is already having a big impact on the squad.”

When asked what have been the highs and lows since taking charge, Alex said:

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“One of my personal biggest highs was getting our first win away at Ash – it was a huge relief and very much felt like the start of something positive. Other good moments that spring to mind are the draw at home to Andover New Street last season, Voller scoring the late equaliser against Newport and Charlie Hart scoring the winner against Verwood at home. “Losing at home to Fleet Spurs in my 2nd game was a tough moment. It was the game everybody had their eyes on to kickstart the charge to get out of the relegation scrap. Losing to West Wight in the Gold Cup was also a tough one to take, but I thought they were superb on the night and deserved it.”

Speaking about what needs to be improved, Smith has said:

“If we want to be in a true fight for the playoffs, then the big step we have to take is ensuring maximum consistency. Making the jump from underdogs to being the team who want to dictate games is a big one and putting yourself in the right mindset for that week in, week out, is tough. “It takes time and experience to treat every single opposition team with just the right balance of respect and nerves. Too much respect and the top teams will set the tone, no nerves and the teams towards the bottom of the table will capitalise on complacency. “We’re at a level where at our very, very best, we can beat every team in the league – but we have to challenge ourselves to find those levels as often as possible. “If we do that, we have the depth and quality in the squad to have a very enjoyable 2nd half of the season.

Vics Chairman Mark Greenslade says of Alex:

“Alex has been integral to the growth of Vics since his appointment just over a year ago. Transforming the team from a perennial “battling to avoid relegation side” to a top 6 side, is an incredible feat. “Alex has ensured since day one of his appointment that the side operated in a style and level of intensity that initially led to the team being difficult to beat, but has now put the side in this year’s playoff picture. “I am sure Alex & Elliot will be pushing to achieve even more in the second half of the season!”

Since this article was written, Vics lost the Isle of Wight derby to an improving Newport side, before holding 2nd placed Downton to a draw last Saturday. This Saturday, Alex Smith’s side face Ash United at Beatrice Avenue.