Northern League: Captain backs Sunderland RCA manager ahead of Prudhoe clash
There is a busy weekend of Northern League action lying ahead.
Captain Andre Bennett believes the Sunderland RCA squad will ‘always be behind’ manager Lewis Dodds as his side look to climb up the Division Two table.
The former Spennymoor Town and Shildon midfielder was named as RCA boss last month following the departure of Mark Forrest and he has experienced mixed fortunes during the opening weeks of his time in charge.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I’m delighted to be offered and accept the role, the chairman and board have been great during this process so thanks to them. Since Mark brought me in last year I’ve seen everything that makes RCA a special club. I’d like to thank Clayton, Wilky and Acky for their support during the last few weeks and I’m confident we can push on and achieve the success the club deserves this season.”
However, despite claiming wins against Park View and FC Hartlepool, defeats against the likes of Jarrow and Grangetown Boys Club have left Dodds’ side sitting fifth from bottom in the table ahead of Saturday’s home game with fellow strugglers Prudhoe YC Seniors.
Although a run of four losses in their last five games has sparked some concern, Bennett has insisted the ‘good balance’ Dodds provides will ensure he retains the support of his players.
He told The Echo: “I was at West Auckland with Doddsy as a player and a coach as well. We go back a few years and he’s great to have at the club. He can be serious when he wants to be serious but he is always there for a good laugh so he gets a good balance and he has a good relationship with the players in the squad too. That just means that we will always be behind him no matter what and hopefully that means we can really kick on and do well this season."
Fixtures
Friday: Billingham Town v Stokesley SC Saturday: AFC Newbiggin v FC Hartlepool, Boldon CA v Seaton Carew, Chester-le-Street Town v Alnwick Town, Darlington Town v Newcastle University, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Jarrow, Seaham Red Star v Durham United, Sunderland RCA v Prudhoe YC Seniors, Tow Law Town v Billingham Synthonia
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