This week Heys director Mike McMahon takes the hot seat. Mike and his co-director Nick Kingston had past connections with the Club and returned to the fold in January 2014. Mike reflects on the period since and ahead to the future
As former players and Mike, you as a Reserve Team Manager at the club, was that past connection a factor in you and Nick returning to the club as directors?
Everyone knows that Prestwich Heys has enormous potential. Nick and I wanted to take the club as far as we could having been involved previously. That and knowing so many of the people involved in the club we thought we could give it a good go and see where it takes us.
What were your first impressions of the club on your return and what ambitions/ targets did you hold?
The club had been living off past glories for a while. There were a lot of good people involved in the club but that wasn't enough to achieve the goal of returning to the Counties. We felt the club needed a push and we could provide that. I think the timing was good for both parties
To return to the Counties and do so after such a remarkable season must have been special.?
Returning to the North-West Counties League as Manchester League Champions was a fantastic achievement by the players and management of Prestwich Heys. To do so with the first team completing a treble and the Reserves the double was incredible. Winning five trophies and making the step up made it the best season in the club’s history. I don't think it will repeated and everyone involved on and off the pitch can be very proud of being a part of that.
In terms of where the club is now, is it where you wanted or expected it to be?
We have continued to progress off the pitch, improving the facilities with the dressing rooms, Stands and floodlights. In that respect, we have facilities that the club has never had. Whilst we want to improve further I think we can be pleased with what we have achieved.
On the field, we encountered some strong teams last season and the standard of football was a surprise.
I think we have learnt from the experience and will come back stronger. As Jon Lyons said in last week’s programme what happened last season has influenced recruitment and preparation for the new season. We are also breaking new ground in having the Reserves in the Manchester League Premier Division. I expect both teams to give a good account of themselves.
What are the current challenges facing the club?
Like a lot of clubs, we rely on the few volunteers that give up their valuable time especially on match days and fund-raising days. However, we still require more like-minded people along with local businesses to push the club forward.
What are the future aims and ambitions for you and the club?
I think we have proved we are capable of progression both on and off the field.
It would be fantastic to have another era of success to match the achievements and memories of the 60s & 70s and give the people of Prestwich and Whitefield a club to be proud of. That has to be our aim.