Blues' boss settles into new role

9:30am Friday 18th July 2008

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MINEHEAD'S new boss Adrian Giblett said he has enjoyed his first week in charge and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Giblett took the job after interviews failed to come up with a replacement for Mick Armitage, who stood down at the end of last season.

However, the club stalwart and managing director of Tony Pryce Sports has thrown himself into the job.

He said: "I've had three training sessions since taking over and they've been great.

"There's been an awful lot of goodwill around the club and I've been received ever so well.

"I wonder if that will still be the case halfway through the season," he joked.

Giblett has already lost striker Aaron Deeks to local rivals Wellington, while Lee Smythe, another talented youngster, will be unavailable as he starts a football scholarship in America in August.

Goalkeeper-turned-defender Sam Hutchings is undecided on a move to Bridgwater, but the rest of the squad have agreed to stay.

Giblett has also re-signed midfielder Robbie Hopkins, who has plenty of Western League experience with Minehead. Hopkins was manager of Taunton Saturday League side Porlock last season.

Giblett said: "We have lost Aaron and Lee and are waiting to see what happens with Sam but I'm pleased everyone else has stayed and to have signed Robbie.

"There is a good core to work. We will still have a young team with local players, which has been the case for a few seasons.

"A number of youngsters who played for the Reserves last season have looked very sharp in training so I've got high hopes for them."

Meanwhile, Minehead have confirmed friendlies against a Bristol side, managed by former Minehead player Kevin Hawkins, on Saturday, July 26 and Dulverton Town on Tuesday, August 5.