Hednesford Town capable of play-off push, says Ben Bailey

The Keys Park outfit appear to be back on track following a poor couple of years.

They went through several bosses as they were relegated from National League North and then stuttered to a bottom-half finish last season.

With the return of Rob Smith as manager and Bailey – who played 335 times during his first spell with the Pitmen – back on the playing staff from AFC Telford United though, things have improved.

Hednesford have won their last four games in all competitions and are 10th – seven points off the play-offs – going into tomorrow’s home clash with Shaw Lane.

“It has took a bit of time for the manager to get what he wants,”said Bailey.

“He’s brought in the right players now though and we have started to turn things around.

“The past couple of years have been frustrating for the club – and for me personally, getting relegated with Hednesford and then fighting against the drop with Telford – but I think it is different now.

“I think we can push on during the second half of the season and look at those play-offs.”

Bailey, under Smith, managed to get promoted to National League North with the Pitmen back in the 2012/13 season, winning 2-1 against FC United of Manchester in the play-off final.

The following campaign, Bailey and his team-mates reached the National North play-offs – losing to Altrincham, who are now in the Evo-Stik Premier with Hednesford, in the semi finals.

Darren Campion was also part of those squads and recently returned to the club from Walsall Wood.

Having been there and done it, 26-year-old Bailey sees no reason – with the help of an array of talented youngsters, such as Joe Fitzpatrick – why the Pitmen cannot do it again.

“I would never write it off, I have seen stranger things happen,” he said.

“We can definitely push for those play-off positions.

“All the players who are here know this league – and the league above – inside out.

“And so does the manager, he has a lot of experience.

“Maybe with a few more signings to keep us all on our toes and increase the competition, I think we can really kick on during the second half of the season.”

“We’ll just have to see what happens in the new year.”

Bailey – who is unlikely to play against Shaw Lane tomorrow due to a foot injury – was skipper during his first spell with the club, but central midfielder Tom Thorley now wears the armband.

Even though he is not officially the captain any more, the centre-half still sees himself as a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“Tom is the skipper and he is doing a great job,” Bailey added.

“With or without the armband, I’ll always be the same player.

“I’ll always give my all for the team and talk to players, let them know if they are not pulling their weight. And that is on and off the pitch.”