'You are only three losses from the bottom' - Grounded Green keeping his Lichfield City level despite flying start
Ivor Green is keen to keep his Lichfield City grounded, wary that their impressive start to life at step four non-league football could quickly unravel.
In their debut season in the Northern One Midlands, Green’s side have stormed to fourth in the standings after 15 games - four points from top spot.
Although he is delighted with their early form, the Lichfield boss remains cautious, noting that only seven points separate his side and 17th place. He has urged his players to stay humble ahead of hosting early strugglers Bourne Town tomorrow.
“It has been a bit tougher than expected,” Green admitted. “There are no weak sides, in every game you have to be at your maximum to get anything out of it.
“But we are enjoying it, it is an experience for all of us, the majority of the squad has never played at this level before. The club has never been at this level before, so we were determined to make sure that we enjoy the ride.
“We never had any expectations, the focus is trying to keep the club at step four, that’s all we talked about.
“I couldn’t have expected to be up there. But, it is a tight league, you are only two or three defeats from being in the bottom.
“It is brilliant to be a part of. It’s a crazy league and unusual at this stage, you usually have your breakaway sides, but that’s not the case.
“You have to be mindful that you are literally two or three defeats from being at the wrong end. So we have our feet on the ground, but are working really hard to maintain it and compete.
“The biggest challenge was can we compete, it’s fair to say we have proved that we can, now it is about making sure that we don’t get sloppy and maintain it. But we are just enjoying it.”
Elsewhere, in the Northern One West, Jamie Hawkins will take charge of his first game as Chasetown manager when they host Bootle, after Mark Swann's departure for personal reasons.
Hawkins, who served as Swann’s assistant since 2020, was confirmed as boss earlier this week.
Stafford Rangers will look to extend their four-game unbeaten run and build on a midweek 4-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic when they travel to Mossley.
Meanwhile, winless in three Sporting Khalsa welcome Avro. Khalsa sit 18th in the standings with 15 points from as many games, while 21st-placed Darlaston Town visit Runcorn Linnets after picking up their first win since mid-August midweek.
