I'm absolutely delighted. It's a club I've got a real affiliation to and played here a few years ago under Ash and Gav, the previous managers- both of whom I've got a lot of respect for. I've spoken to them both before taking this role and told them they reinvigorated my love for football when they brought me here. It's going to be a tough job to follow on from but I'm really excited to come in and help progress the club.

You've had a long and successful playing career. Was the decision to coach and manage teams always part of your long term plans?

Yes, for sure. Football is my life; I first attended matches with my grandad who took me to watch Blackburn Rovers and then was involved with playing at Huddersfield Town from when I was 7 years old. I just love the game. When I was at Oxford United, I started taking my coaching badges as I was down there quite a lot on my own whilst my family were still up north and I had a lot of spare time. I dedicated my time to learning coaching and completed my qualifications and have loved every minute of it. It feels a natural progression from my playing time.

What can fans expect in terms of your playing and management style?

I want to be front-footed, attacking and aggressive; both with and without the ball. I want attacking players to be exciting, taking players on and not be worried about making mistakes. I want us defending really high and winning the ball back in the opposition half as much as possible. Football is about excitement and I hope to bring that.

You obviously have a connection to the club having captained the Weavers in your time as a player here - but what about the club helped make your decision to accept the role of head coach?

It was a really hard decision to leave the club as a player but at that time I just felt that there were certain things that I wasn't 100% happy with and felt it was right to leave the club amicably. Having said that, I have returned to watch the club when I can and have always looked out for the results. But the people; the volunteers, the chairman (Peter Gledhill), the secretary (Ben Senior), the kit man- all of whom I've kept in touch with. And also the fans. I have a lot of respect for everyone involved at Golcar United and can't praise the work that goes into the club enough and want to help keep improving things where I can.

It sounds like an easy decision for both yourself and the club. Have you had chance to speak with any of the current players yet?

I've had the chance to speak to a few but given the quick turnaround, I've not had chance to speak to everyone yet. I intend to speak to every player very soon. I think it's important to have that type of relationship and speak to everyone either by phone or face to face; having an open and honest relationship with everyone is important to me.

As you've mentioned, it's been a quick turnaround but we know fans will be itching to know if you have ideas of who you'd like to bring in to make your own mark on the team?

I've got a big list on my A4 notepad which I've been adding to over the last 48 hours! But listen, the club came 3rd in the NCEL Premier Division last season and achieved the Play-Offs and a cup final so the nucleus of the squad, brought in by Ash and Gav, is very good so it would be stupid of me to come in and say I want to bring in wholesale changes. I've ideas of where I want to add though. I want a young, energetic team who play front-footed, fast and attacking football so we need legs and pace but I also want the experience around to help with that.

Finally, Joe, any words you want to offer the Weavers faithful?

I'm really looking forward to leading this great club and would love to continue to have your fantastic support. My job here is to put a football team on the pitch that is exciting to watch and I want goals, attacking football, players being brave and entertain the brilliant fans we have down at this club.

Joe, thank you for your time today and we're all really excited to have you back and leading the Village. We'll be behind you every step of the way!

Joe Skarz is sponsored by Rocksteady Group Limited - https://rocksteadygroup.co.uk/

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