New joint-boss Smith can't wait to get started at Highgate United - The Solihull Observer

New joint-boss Smith can't wait to get started at Highgate United

Solihull Editorial 19th Jun, 2018   0

JOINT-BOSS Paul Smith is excited by the prospect of starting his new project at Highgate United and vowed to go all guns blazing for silverware.

Smith, who has been out of work since the end of February when he sensationally quit from his position at Bromsgrove Sporting, was announced as the new Gate joint-boss on Saturday after weeks of conversations with chairman Ashley Pulisciano.

The former Studley gaffer has already familiarised himself with the players who guided the Gate to a third-placed finish in the Midland League Premier Division last term, narrowly missing out on the second promotion spot to Coleshill Town.

With a winning mentality having guided Sporting to the Midland League Division One title without losing a game as well as the semi-finals of the FA Vase, on top of pushing the Rouslers to the higher echelons of the Premier Division table before his departure, Smith is targeting even more success with his new club.




“I had a few chances to get back in sooner than I did but nothing sat right with me,” said Smith.

“Originally Highgate did not interest me but after a number of conversations and hearing what Ashley wanted to do with the club, I got more and more interested.


“We want to build this club not only on it, but off it too.

“I have come here to win things, I am driven by success and take losing personally.

“All of the current squad have agreed to remain which is a huge boost and there is no reason why we cannot be challenging once again not only in the league, but the FA Vase too.”

Smith has also drafted in Martin Sockett, Chris Jay and Steve McGinn to the backroom staff to compliment what is already at Highgate to make sure preparations for the season ahead are as in depth as possible.

“It’s important to remember I have a strong management set up which requires lots of work so we need a number of bodies,” said Smith.

“Martin has been out the game for some time so it’s great to have him on board and as much as Chris will be a goalkeeper coach, he has declared himself fit so will provide good competition for the keepers already here.”

Smith also confirmed to the Observer he had agreed terms to sign Robbie Bunn from league rivals Worcester City.

Bunn, who departed for Littleton after terminating his contract at Sporting following the departure of Smith, had agreed to join the Blue and Whites two weeks ago.

But in a dramatic U-turn he has decided to link-up with his former boss once again.

“Robbie is one of the best central and right-sided midfielders in the league,” Smith added.

“He is a huge capture for us and will compliment the midfielders we already have.

“There are three or four other targets I am looking to bring in.”

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