Luke Williams has been named October’s Vanarama National League Manager of the Month – but has insisted the award will be shared by the whole backroom team at Meadow Lane.
The head coach has led us on an impressive start to the season since his summer arrival, overseeing 13 wins from 19 matches and tasting defeat only once so far in the Vanarama National League.
Six of those victories came during a remarkable October in which we won all our league games, scoring 20 in the process – one in a huge victory against title rivals Wrexham and six in a rampant away display at Wealdstone.
And, while Williams has received huge plaudits for the team’s achievements so far, he is adamant they would not have been possible without the support of his staff.
“I would firstly like to thank the people who considered us for this award, which we’re truly honoured to have,” said the head coach.
“I’m merely receiving it on behalf of the entire backroom staff who, since the day I’ve walked through the door, have been an immense support to me and have each played a huge individual role in extracting consistent performances from the team.
“Like in any job, people on the outside can’t see the full picture – the hours of hard work, early starts, late finishes, travelling, concentration, dedication and talent that are essential to compete in this highly competitive environment.
“This is brilliant recognition for all of them and, as a staff, we can use this award to further strengthen our bond and continue to develop our working practices for the benefit of the team and club.
“I would also like to give a special mention to our chief executive, Jason Turner, who has been pivotal in helping me adjust to life at a new club in a new division. Jason has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and is an all-round great guy. He, along with our owners Chris and Alex Reedtz, provides an incredible environment for us to do our work and deserves as much credit as anyone.
“Finally, a huge thank you to our supporters who have got behind me, the staff and players since day one. Given the struggles and disappointments they have endured in recent years, I’ve been amazed by their spirit and passion.
“I, and everyone at the club, share our fans’ desperation to see Notts County back in the EFL as soon as possible and our work has only just begun in trying to achieve that.”
The team behind the team…
Ryan Harley (Assistant Head Coach)
Harley arrived alongside Williams this summer having crossed paths with him at Brighton, Swindon and MK Dons.
A talented midfielder, he enjoyed a long playing career which saw him experience life in every division of the EFL - and his skills are still put to good use day in, day out as he regularly participates in training.
Tom Weal (Goalkeeper Coach)
Weal joined us from Norwich City in 2021, where he was head of academy goalkeeping, but his role here has not been limited to between the sticks.
He also plays a major part in a collective effort to devise our dead-ball routines, many of which have come to fruition this season.
Craig Heiden (Head of Medical Services) and Jane Jackson (Sports Therapist)
Heiden, who has considerable experience from time spent in Nottingham Forest’s academy and in other roles, works alongside Jackson, who joined us permanently after a successful internship, to manage our injury prevention and rehabilitation programme.
They’re responsible for carrying out medical assessments on new signings and also have the unenviable task of advising when a player may need to be rested due to injury!
Ian Hutton (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Hutton, boasting considerable experience following highly successful spells with Cheltenham Town and Solihull, is responsible for building, monitoring and managing the players’ physical condition.
Supporters will have seen him leading warm-ups ahead of matches, and behind the scenes he runs gym sessions for the players and uses a data-led approach to keep the squad in the best shape possible.
George Lawtey and Joao Alves (First Team Assistants)
Lawtey, who previously worked with Williams at Bristol City, teamed up with Portugal-born Alves to take on a shared role earlier this season.
The pair are responsible for editing and presenting video which showcases aspects of both our own and opposition’s performances, while also coaching the players both on the training ground and in meetings.
Lewis Saleem (Kit & Equipment Manager)
Saleem carries out a hugely important role in ensuring the staff and players’ needs are met not only on matchday, but also at every training session.
He is responsible for the necessary kit and equipment being ready each day, which includes many hours of driving, carrying, printing, washing and drying – and he’s even taken control of our new drone which is used to analyse training from above!