'I don't want a job, I want the job' - Dean Gill eyes next challenge after Darlaston exit

After departing Darlaston Town last month, where he had been for almost five years, Gill has kept busy looking for his next job - but is missing the sidelines. 

Gill left Darlaston after leading them to the highest level in their history, narrowly missing out on the play-offs during their first season at step four non-league football, and then a challenging season in the Northern One West. 

“I had football every Saturday for 20 years, when that stops it was quite a surreal feeling,” Gill said. 

“Having several weeks off, I understand what I miss, what I don’t miss, and what would possibly do differently as and when we do it again.

“We never came out for a break, we did because it had to be done, and we are looking for the right job, not the job.

“I could take a job tomorrow, without being arrogant. But I don’t want a job, I want the job. There are a dozen, maybe more the jobs, it is just about when they become available. 

“We didn’t come out because we needed a rest or for any other reason that it was what needed to happen.

“We are looking to get back into it, we are continuing to work hard every day. The minute you drop off, it’s very easy to fall back into another life. 

“I have met up with around 10 chairman’s/owners since I left and will meet with at least three more - it’s about me understanding what clubs want, what they expect and look for in a manager, how they measure success. 

“You can’t do that when you are in a job - I have been in one for 20 years, and it is difficult for me to have conversations like this without doing your own club wrong or another.”

Gill took the reins at Darlaston when they were struggling in step six non-league football and oversaw a remarkable rise up the leagues.

The Citizens finished seventh in the Northern One Midlands last season and have competed in a highly competitive Northern One West this term.

Asked how it felt to leave, he said: “Disappointment. It was never meant to end that way. However, all good things have to come to an end. 

“I would imagine now people are starting to understand, more than they ever did, what we did.

“We were without doubt going to be safe, we had a good team. We had done well. 

“We might not have been able to afford the best team on the pitch, but from our perspective, a management one, the team I had was doing really good work. I was really proud and really happy with what we were doing. 

“It was disappointing that we never finished it, but some things are not meant to be.”