QUENTIN Townsend accepts the 2017/18 season has been one to forget for Pershore Town but also one he will remember in his managerial development.
Pershore survived a relegation scare to secure their place in Midland League Division One with a 1-1 draw at Heather St John’s in the final game of the season to finish third from bottom, four points clear of Pelsall Villa.
The manager did not hide his disappointment at the overall campaign but, in what was only his third full season as a boss, he vowed he will learn key lessons to take into next term.
“We did what we needed to do which was to stay in the league, but it has been a poor season,” said Townsend. “It’s been a learning curve for me as a manager.
“In my first season, when I was at Southam, we got to two finals so I’ve experienced the good times but this season has been the other side. You find out more about yourself when you have got problems to solve.
“We did struggle and I had to make changes and that has helped us stay up. The four new lads who came in made a big difference in the dressing room and in the last three months we’ve been a different side. We don’t fear anybody and that’s something we can build on.
“It’s shown me how important it is to have players with the right attitude, players who are committed to each other.
“Everybody keeps saying that if we had had this team at the start of the season we would be a top eight side.”
Townsend believes the nucleus of the squad is likely to remain for next term, but he will make finding more firepower his close-season priority after scoring just 48 in 38 league games.
Jamie Clarke led the Town goal charts with 18 goals, despite missing a big chunk of the season, but Pershore’s lack of goal threat was evident in the fact only basement side Southam United, who failed to win all season, scored fewer goals.
“Goalscoring has been our big problem,” said Townsend. “We are the second lowest scorers in the league and that’s something we need to address.”
Meanwhile, Townsend says the decision of joint-chairman Tim Webb to step down will be a big loss.
Webb announced he will be resigning from his role due to other commitments.
Webb admitted he only planned a short-term stay when he helped save the club from the threat of folding, but he now leaves Town in a much stronger and stable position.
Townsend said: “Tim has been a confidant, a great friend, as much as chairman. He came in four years ago when the club was in a mess and he has helped stabilise the club. He has become Mr Pershore.”
Joint-chairman Steve Bradstock will continue in the role.