Re: Gary McCann

By John (legacy user)2/2/2015 20:52Mon Feb 2 20:52:30 2015In response to Gary McCann

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No matter how much hard work has gone in behind the scenes by the Supporters Trust, Association and Board in keeping Hendon Football Club alive over the turbulent past decade, I don't think it's any exaggeration to suggest that without Gary McCann's effort, judgement and skill, we would not still be plying our trade in the top level of the Ryman League, let alone battling away in the play-offs.

Few managers would have been prepared to have worked consistently with the budgets he has, fewer still would have guided the club successfully through the period in 2008/9 where we didn't know which ground would be 'home' from one week to the next. Few would be able to get the best out of a conveyor belt of players who upon leaving the club, have settled in at a level below and fewer still would be able to not only attract talented players to the club in the first place, but to keep them for five, six, seven and more seasons.

Always approachable following a game, unfailingly honest and gracious in both victory and defeat, Gary has been a superb ambassador for the club and can take credit for much of the goodwill that seems to exist amongst Ryman League circles for Hendon.

In terms of personal highlghts, Corby Town away in the FA Cup will live long in the memory, as will the way he effortlessly turned around the indisciplined, disinterested rabble a decade ago. We were absolutely sunk when he came in, but by taking us back to basics we survived with plenty to spare.

It's been an absolute pleasure, and I've taken more pleasure from watching Gary's sides battling against the odds than I did watching the FA Cup runs of the late 90s under Frank Murphy.

Thanks, Gary, it's been an absolute pleasure.

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