Catch up with Nathan Dewberry

• Firstly, did you have a nice summer break and get the time to reflect on a treble winning season?

It was a nice break but far from a long one, we finished the season at the end of May & were back it again for pre-season at the start of July. Along with planning etc with new ideas & players coming in, going out.

• 16 Points and second in the Premier Division, tell us about the first few games, were guessing your pleased with the start that’s been made?

Extremely pleased with the start we have made so far, it took us a couple of games to adapt which I think was expected. Dropped some points I think further into the season wouldn’t have been the case but overall, over the moon to be sitting 2nd in the league & more so winning the last 5-games in a row.

• We know your very positive about the whole squad and what they bring as a collective but has there been any stand-out performers so far?

I am pleased with everyone in the squad & think positively of them all, as you say. We have made some exceptional additions to the squad which I think has added some depth to areas we didn’t have last season. To name a couple of stand-out performers for me so far this season have been Callum King who now has 6 goals in his last 4-games & also Lochlain Murray who has hit the ground running for us, it’s as if he has been with us for years.

• Are you looking forward to the defence of the BBC Essex Premier cup , a tough draw first round against Lawford Lads who we also knocked out last season?

Very excited to begin our campaign in the Essex cup in what is going to be a challenge to retain it this season. However, with the success of winning the competition last season I would think a lot of teams would want to avoid us. I am confident we can get into the latter stages of the competition again this season & look forward to get going with a break from the league also.

• You said in previous interviews you’re looking for a top half finish, with respect to the other teams and the way you have started is that still the goal or do you think there is some higher ambition to be achieved?

I did say this previously & I still stand by this statement. I am confident we will finish in the top 6 in our first season at this level. We have started well & still believe we have another level in us which I am sure will come in time. There are a lot of games & it’s going to be a challenge but we know what we can achieve with our squad & we will certainly give it our best.

• We must talk about it, it’s becoming predictable that Nathan Dewberry will score, I guess you’re happy to contribute and did you see yourself getting 6 goals in 8 games as player manager?

Absolutely not! To be honest, I feel good in myself in relation to playing again which is something I didn’t think would be a possibility after my injury, but I am absolutely loving being back out there on the pitch & to help the team with some goals is a bonus.

• Finally, how is the squad looking for Octobers run of games?

We have a big squad & rotation is going to be a key factor for us going into a busy month. Again, I think we have a strong chance of earning some more vital points and keep us in the mix at the top of the league. The lads know what is needed of them & we as management team understand the strengths we have going into every game.