Earlier today one of Lydd Town’s current interim managers / local favourite Ryan Smith was interviewed by John Botton (Fan/Photographer) to give an update to the long awaited Lydd Town Fans.

John: The removal of Nicky Southall came as a bit of a sudden surprise due to when it happened. Was it an amiable parting as things were clearly not working out?

Ryan S: To be honest, it was just not the right fit in this current moment for the club, as the things we feel that he wanted to do we felt that we were just not ready for! Lydd Town is a unique football club in many aspects and unfortunately it did not fit. This was the right decision for the team, the club, the fans and also the players.

John: This is the latest in many management permutations this season. Is this the one that will see us through until the end of the season now?

Ryan S: Without a doubt. This falls on me like It should have done all season.

John: As you know, the fans are behind you and will support whoever is in charge but there is no doubt that they favour yourself being in the dug out. You seem to get a lot extra out of the team when you are on the touchline or on the pitch. What is your secret and where do you think Nicky Southall just went wrong?

Ryan S: People know the connection to Lydd Town that I carry as a person! Not just me, but my family. It’s going back about 30 years! I love the football club and will die on my shield for the football club! I believe in the area! The Lindsey family! And everyone that follows me! Lydd Town is part of who I am as person! The players look up to me for that reason.

John: That must be the shortest management post in the long history of the club. The players were really low at Erith & Belvedere and they just did not seem to want to back the manager it almost felt like. It must have been easy to get most of them on board. Luke Burdon is back in favour and scoring and Archie Dobbin finally got some well earned game time. These are the things that make a difference. Is everyone on board and fighting for a starting place within the squad?

Ryan S: Luke Burdon is onboard and for whatever reason he’s be in and out this season! But I can guarantee that Luke is in it with me! And as always behind the club! Luke is going to get us going along with the other forwards, Steph, Jerson and Vinnie (Philpott).

John: The fans have picked up that we have let in 2 goals nearly every league game for a while now and that feels like from a fans point of view, that we just need 3 goals to win a match. Is there likely to be a return to a flat back four as I feel like we have been caught out at the back a fair bit?

Ryan S: I prefer a four at back but without the likes of Elliot Moore and Connor Tilley. Against local rivals Kennington, a back three was the best option and I thought Strouts and Dicko were brilliant! So I would say to the fans just to expect a mixture of formations going forward.

John: It was a great atmosphere against Kennington and the fans were the most vocal they have been for a long time. We need to make the home ground where it is hard to beat and get all the fans on the clubs side. It looks as though to stay up we will need to take points from all the home games. Do we have this mind set going forward?

Ryan S: Most definitely, we need all the lydddes far and wide to come to all the home games and cheer the lads on! For example, this weekend just gone I loved seeing the lydd legends there. The likes of, Bill Beaney! I loved watching him as a kid! I cleaned his boots for £2 a week at 12 years old! I want him to be there more! Shaun Coleman! Lydd Town’s Ryan Giggs! Micky Hannaford! A Lydd Town boy through and through. I want to see more Chambo! Shep! Andy Laker! Hickers! Knighty! Marshy Kurt! Gorey! Russel Mimms! Ray Hostler! Andy Lindsey Wayne Henley. Come and get down when you can. You all played your part in where we are in the history if anyone else forgot! We need your support! Mark Welstead! Ian Prebble! Toshy! Bradley Sparrow Luke Webb! I can name a thousand more!

John B: After Saturday we are on the road for the rest of the month. It may be hard to keep a settled side for those four matches, Have we got the numbers to rotate the squad but keep the same quality?

Ryan S: Yeah definitely, we have got the numbers! And there are a few to come back from injury, including myself whenever needed.

John B: The fans really want you in charge alongside Dexter G. We see that as a winning combination. We also want to know that the players are training and working hard to be match fit. There are some matches coming up that we will need to see it out right until the very last minute. Good use of all the substitues, look to have been lacking and we hope that everyone eventually gets a chance.

Ryan S: Yeah, every player will get their chance and we are training each week.

John B: Thanks for your valuable time and we look forward to an exciting fixture on Saturday where we can hopefully get all 3 points. All the fans wish you, the players and all the staff a Happy New Year.

Ryan S: Thanks John, you too. And Happy New Year to all the fans. Thanks for you continued support.

#upthelydders