Time for a catch up with Nathan Dewberry & Dylan Skinner
How have you found your first two months at the club, are you happy with the start you have made?
Nathan - I am extremely happy with how the first couple of months at the club have gone. I must admit it was a real eye opener when we approached pre-season with a lot of players departing to join other teams, trialling new players whilst trying to gel them in with the lads that have stayed at the club. The start we have made in the league has been amazing, we remain unbeaten & after 6 games sit top of the league with a game in hand & that’s a massive credit to the players, management & their professionalism. The welcoming & support the club & senior staff at the club have given me & the team has been fantastic, so a big thank you to everyone.
Dylan - It truly feels like I've been at this club 2 decades, not 2 months. Everyone associated with Corinthians has welcomed me with open arms and instantly made me feel like I was part of the family. The start has been solid. We've come in with a clear vision and expectations for on and off the pitch, and there's a great vibe in the club. Overall, I'm very happy.
What are your ambitions for the season?
Nathan - My ambition for the season since taking the job remain the same & that is to get Corinthians promoted into the Olympian Prem. This is where I believe the club deserves to be, given the quality of the players we have & our facilities are superb. The County Cup is also a fond favourite of mine which we would hope to do well in especially as the club has gone close on several occasions in recent years.
Dylan - I'd be lying if I said I don't want promotion. Saying that, getting an understanding of the new role I have will be vital to making those steps forward.
After playing at a good level yourself, how have you found management?
Nathan - Becoming a manager is completely new to me having spent a season as a number two previously with Leigh Ramblers & playing my whole career prior to that it has changed my aspect on how I see the game from the sidelines & the work required behind the scenes. The management team I have with me in Dylan & Luke works so well as we all have the same beliefs in the squad & the support, we give one another makes management thoroughly enjoyable. Having come into the club I once played for was something I knew I couldn’t pass up, following the foundations set previously by Chris Stoneham who is a good friend of mine & previous manager whilst playing for the club has been a pleasure.
Dylan - Honestly, I never thought I'll see myself doing a Jose Mourinho down the sidelines when we come from behind to win, that's for sure. I'm enjoying management and everything that comes with it now. Finding the balance of being under pressure while staying level-headed, as a previous manager once told me “fire in the belly, head in the freezer”.
Which players have impressed you most so far this season?
Nathan - To be honest, I have been impressed with everyone, the team have bought into our management style & it shows on a Saturday afternoon week in, week out. I am really pleased with the lads we managed to retain at the club along with the players we have brought in. The team bond & togetherness from everyone is second to none. The mix of youngsters & the more mature players is working a treat whilst allowing the younger players to learn a lot more in the game which will in hand boost their confidence as they grow older & push them in the right direction to grow with us as a club.
Dylan - All players have really impressed me so far this season. The togetherness they have already is incredible. If I were to pick out a player, it would be Ricco Booker. A great young lad who's really made a statement to us that he is ready for the challenge ahead.
What are your interests outside of Corinthians FC?
Nathan - Outside of the Corinthians family, I have big family of my own which takes up my most cherished time. Me & my wife Carly have 4 young boys who also enjoy coming to our games & supporting the team. Aside from Corinthians, I manage my son Kitson’s U8 football team & enjoy watching my eldest son Harrison play when I can.
Dylan - Besides running a business and being in the fire service, I love to spend time with my family watching my little girl grow is what certainly keeps my world going round.
Who is your favourite player ever to play the game and why?
Nathan - As a West Ham fan my favourite player of all time must be Joe Cole, simply for the way he effortlessly played the game. Extremely skilful, passionate & knew where the goal was.
Dylan - It's close between 2 for me. Petr Cech and Manuel Neuer. Cech’s record in the Chelsea goal is simply out of this world. And I always watched his highlights before a game day. However, Neuer, for me, changed the whole of a goalkeeper’s style in terms of playing high being confident with his feet and literally offering as another player out there.