Media comments: Martin Sockett

Martin Sockett’s return to Butlin Road may have come as a shock to many non-League football followers but there’s no doubting the ex-Bedworth United boss is delighted to be back for a third spell at Rugby Town as part of Dave Stringer’s management team at the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One Central club.

His second stint ended in the summer as he took over the reins at higher league Redditch United but it didn’t work out for him at the Southern Premier outfit and following his departure he has renewed his acquaintances with Rugby.

He said: “It’s great to be back. Butlin Road is somewhat of a spiritual home for me. I’ve always enjoyed my time here and it’s good to get another opportunity now.

“Of course it did come as a bit of a surprise when I was approached but I’ve always had a good relationship with the chairman and the rest of the board here, so I didn’t think twice at jumping at the chance to return.

“For sure it’s disappointing things didn’t work out differently at Redditch.

“We had a good pre-season and a reasonably good start to the season with limited funding in a tough league.

“I think the decision to part ways at Redditch was a little premature and perhaps manufactured but that’s history now and I am fully focused on helping Dave and his assistant Tony Clarke to get things moving in the right way at Rugby now.”

With Sockett in charge, Town finished sixth Division One Central Division last term and he’s convinced the opportunity still exists to better that this time out, despite the team’s recent poor run of results.

He added: “It’s clear from the few games I’ve seen that confidence levels are down. Individually and collectively we are not performing as we know we can.

“We just need to get things settled down again, make sure we keep the spirit up in training and get back on the front foot once more.”

Sockett insists he has no issue with returning to work for the man who was his assistant last season.

He said: “Some people may find it strange but me and Dave are not fazed by titles. We worked well together last year and I’m sure it will be the same now roles are reversed. “We have always communicated incessantly about tactics, players, opponents etc., and we’re straight back like that again now.”

Sockett confirmed he has already been busy with Stringer looking for new players to boost the squad and they have put in various enquiries and approaches which they hope will lead to some new faces joining the club in the near future.

Redditchbluenose86 wrote:Good luck to him at Rugby, he's happy at his 'spiritual home' and has moved on. We've done the same.

This is my last post in this thread.

redditch born wrote:Socket to take over Rugby Town

Post redditch born on Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:22 pm
A little dicky bird told me this morning that Socket is to be new manager at Ruby Town??


Did tell you a week ago,

redditch born wrote:Socket to take over Rugby Town

Post redditch born on Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:22 pm
A little dicky bird told me this morning that Socket is to be new manager at Ruby Town??


Did tell you a week ago,

Leethall wrote:

redditch born wrote:Socket to take over Rugby Town

Post redditch born on Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:22 pm
A little dicky bird told me this morning that Socket is to be new manager at Ruby Town??


Did tell you a week ago,

No you said he was to be the new manager at Ruby Town. He is assistant manager at Rugby Town [/quote Thats What I ment! but couldnt spell it?