Catch up with Nathan Dewberry

We caught up with Nathan Dewberry, First team manager as we approach the BBC Essex Premier Cup Final. 

Nathan, Congratulations on reaching the final, an amazing achievement for our club. How have you felt about the Premier Cup run?

 The Essex Premier Cup run has been enjoyable, to be able to come up against teams from other leagues that we have no idea about has been part of that, the challenge in each of our 5 games to get to the final has been a welcomed distraction from the league to see where we are at as a team. The lads have earned the right to be in the cup final, this trophy is for them & I am confident we can bring it home. 

With an incredibly talented squad how hard is it going to be picking a group of players for the final?

 Picking the team for the final, it’s hard enough on a Saturday having 24 active players to choose from. I already know is going to be my hardest decision I am going to have to make as a manager. As I know everyone deserves a place in the squad. We are lucky to have such a big squad full of talented players but ultimately, I have to pick my team based on recent form & availability. However, I know those that unfortunately won’t make the squad will be there to support the team regardless & hopefully join in the celebrations. 

Have you been impressed with the young players this year; they have performed so well especially in this cup run?

 We were lucky enough to inherit some younger players when taking on this role. To be able to give these lads the opportunity to play amongst the more experienced players brought into the club & see them develop and gain confidence in their ability has been extremely rewarding to see & credit to them. 

How have you found being part of the club, are you happy with your decision to come back to Corinthians as manager after playing for the club?

 Absolutely! As soon as I was aware of the possibility, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be & to come back to the club after being a player, I knew about the club itself & the good people that are involved. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time back so far & long may that continue, hopefully with some silverware to repay the club back for the confidence shown in me & the team. 

You have a great relationship with the management team, Dylan Skinner and Luke Owen. How has it been working with them?

 I have been close friends with Dylan for a long time & also known Luke for many years too. Myself & Dylan always knew we wanted to take on this venture together & when I spoke with Luke prior to the season, I knew we needed him involved with us too. The relationship we have created between the three of us is brilliant, we all understand what we want to achieve, we take on board each others thoughts & ideas and put them to work. My personal appreciation of both Dylan & Luke is sky high, and the team wouldn’t be where it is now without their support. 

Finally, what would it mean to you personally to lift a cup of this nature in your first season ?

If we can overcome our opposition win the Essex Premier Cup it would be incredible, to do it in our first season together would really be a something special. The trust & belief I have in the lads I have no doubt we can achieve this; they have all been class & the team bond is un-matched, we are a family!