Hello and welcome to another episode of "Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast," in association with Lucky Star Gin. I'm your host, Mike, and today we are excited to introduce Jimmy Dack. In this episode, we'll delve into Jimmy's role at the club, his journey thus far, and his vision for his legacy at Sutton United.
Key Discussion Points
Let's dive into some of the key discussion points from today's episode:
Jimmy Dack's Journey:
Signed for Sutton United at the age of 18.
Notable mentors: Ted Sheppard and Keith Blunt.
Nearly 300 appearances for Sutton United.
Experience in various managerial and coaching roles.
Role as Academy Manager:
Transition from Chief Scout at Wigan to Academy Manager at Sutton.
Challenges and developments in academy functionality.
The importance of instilling club values: respect, teamwork, and hard work.
Building the Academy:
Efforts to centralise training venues and bring cohesion to the academy.
Recruitment strategies focusing on local talent.
Collaboration with local professional clubs.
Facilities and Challenges:
Partnership with Aberdail School to establish training facilities.
The significance of having a home ground for training and matches.
Financial and logistical constraints.
Measuring Success:
The balance of financial viability and player development.
Success stories: players earning scholarships and first-team debuts.
Impacts of Relegation:
Effects on academy funding and status.
The strategic plan to cope with reduced resources and maintain momentum.
Teamwork and Development:
Importance of teamwork and camaraderie among players.
Detailed approaches to fostering a strong team spirit.
Highlights from last season and future aspirations.
Jimmy Dack's Journey
Jimmy Dack's connection with Sutton United is profound. He joined the club at 18 under the guidance of Ted Sheppard and Keith Blunt. Describing his early days, Jimmy shared how he was enchanted with the club's ethos and community spirit. Over the years, he chalked up nearly 300 appearances, which is a testament to his dedication and passion.
After stints in various coaching and managerial roles, including a tenure as Chief Scout at Wigan, Jimmy returned to Sutton United. The calling to come back was strong, leading him to take on the role of Academy Manager.
Role as Academy Manager
Transitioning into the Academy Manager role, Jimmy faced the initial challenge of bringing structure and unity to a somewhat fragmented setup. His primary focus was to ensure that every player and staff member embodied the core values of respect, hard work, and togetherness. By aligning multiple venues and integrating the staff, he worked towards building a cohesive unit.
"Football's football, whether it's under nine or under 18 or in the men's league."
Jimmy emphasised that football, at its core, doesn't change. The principles of training, respect, and teamwork remain consistent across all levels.
Building the Academy
One of Jimmy's early initiatives was to improve the training facilities and create a sense of home for the players. The partnership with Aberdail School was pivotal. With funds from a player sale, they established a 3G pitch with floodlights, offering a dedicated training ground that Sutton United could call their own.
Recruitment Strategies
Focusing on local talent has been a significant part of their recruitment strategy. Jimmy believes that building relationships with nearby clubs and integrating players who understand the club's culture is crucial.
"We want it to be appealing and we want them to say, look, go to Sutton, they're going to look after you."
By fostering these local connections, the academy has become a desirable destination for players released from big clubs like Fulham and Chelsea.
Facilities and Challenges
Despite the progress, the academy faces continuous challenges, particularly with facilities. Competing for training grounds and venues in an area dominated by clubs like Chelsea, Fulham, and Crystal Palace is no small feat.
Nevertheless, Jimmy remains optimistic. The establishment of a training ground at Aberdail School has provided a sense of stability and belonging, allowing young players to train and develop in a familiar environment.
Measuring Success
Success in the academy isn't solely about financial returns. While reducing operational costs and striving for financial independence are goals, the main measure of success lies in the development and progression of the players.
"Watching these boys playing for this football club and enjoying it – that's what it should be about."
It’s about seeing young athletes earn scholarships, make their first-team debuts, and grow into well-rounded individuals. Jimmy highlighted moments of pride, such as the tears of joy when offering scholarships to dedicated young players.
Impacts of Relegation
The club's recent relegation has had notable impacts on the academy, especially concerning funding and the security of staff positions. Despite these challenges, the support from the club’s board and management provides a safety net.
The club has two years to regain its league status to maintain the current level of funding and protection for its academy players. There is a collective effort among the board, management, and the academy staff to ensure they navigate this period successfully.
Teamwork and Development
Teamwork and camaraderie are essential for the academy's success. From organising bonding activities like paintballing to ensuring players attend first team games, Jimmy strives to make every player feel part of the club.
The recent change in the first team’s training location, making it more accessible, will further integrate the academy with the senior squad.
Conclusion: Community Engagement and Future Outlook
Jimmy's dedication to the academy, from overcoming challenges to fostering player development, is a testament to his commitment.
As fans and supporters, engaging with the Sutton United community is crucial. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Attend Matches: Support the young talent by attending home games at the David Weir.
Follow on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest news and events from the academy.
Volunteer or Sponsor: Consider sponsoring a team or volunteering to support academy events.
Stay tuned for more updates and episodes of "Sutton United Talk Time on Podcast." Your support and engagement help the club continue its legacy of nurturing homegrown talent.
Upcoming Matches and Final Thoughts
Looking forward, we remain optimistic about the academy's future. With strong support from the board and a dedicated team, we aim to see more players stepping up to the first team and making a mark.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Please like, share, and retweet to spread the word about Sutton United and its incredible journey. We’ll be back soon with another insightful episode. Until then, take care, and let’s support our club together!
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