Summarising the season so far; Atherton Collieries U18’s Assistant Coach and part of the Management Trio, Harlan Dane Fallon said –
“The lads are a credit to coach, they have a great relationship, they are together and I thoroughly enjoy working with them, I try not to blanket coach them and speak to each individual how they need & support them with what they need. We [Tim, Liam, Harlan] all bring our own attributes and we are aligned in what we want from the lads and each other. We speak regularly to ensure we maintain that, and it’s great.
I have a clear philosophy and passion for football at all levels and specifically youth development football. I want to use my years of experience in Coaching, Sports Science, Youth Development and Education to give the lads every chance of success in the future. I’m enthusiastic about implementing my strategies, and only want the best for the lads, and I know deep down they know that – I’ve told them.
I will always positively reinforce and balance praise with that of critical analysis – but only ever to benefit the players and improve them and the team as a whole. I take great pleasure in planning sessions that are game specific, technically demanding, beneficial to fitness, engaging, fun and that breed togetherness and boost team and individual morale.
But you have to witness it for yourself, to see that what we have is special, and if you haven’t, you can’t possibly understand it! I am committed to working hard, to help these lads achieve their potential & their collective and individual goals, and Tim, Liam and Myself will get our reward through their enjoyment and success! We just need to keep neutering it, tighten a few elements up and maintain our solid agreed values.
I love training, working on match specific elements, and guiding the lads through drills and sessions, aimed to improve and develop them for matchdays. Tactical discussions with Tim and Liam are regular and we are always looking at how we can improve, grow and evolve, whilst keeping it realistic and understandable for the lads.
Match days are special to me, seeing the lads pull on the famous Colls shirt and play for the points, brings pride and I’m very proud of how they are all growing, individually and as a team.
Listen we have things to work on and corrections on the pitch to make, but I’m confident with a few tweaks and adjustments, that start on Monday night [at training] that we are heading in the right direction – and I couldn’t ask to do it alongside 2 better people – for these lads than Tim and Liam.
They have been great with me, they’ve let me do my thing and are top communicators, we all want the best for these lads, and are all excited for the rest of the season.
A special mention for the parents and guardians too, who support their lads and us, both on training nights and matchdays. They are passionate, caring and let us work with the lads, with no pressure, no infringement and their full backing. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and you are a key part in what we are doing, and will do in the future! Up The Colls!“
