'It’s what drives me on' - Darryl Knights determined to bring success to hometown club Stourbridge
New Stourbridge boss Darryl Knights says his connection with the local community is pushing him to deliver success for the club.
Knights is no stranger to the Glassboys, having served in several roles over the years - including youth-team coach, assistant manager, and a successful spell as interim boss during the 2023/24 season.
After taking the reins following Liam McDonald’s departure, it’s been a mixed start to life in charge. Ahead of hosting Leiston to the War Memorial Ground tomorrow, Stourbridge sit 16th in the Southern Central Premier.
Asked if he is craving success with Stourbridge - who he described as ‘his club’ when appointed - Knights said: “Definitely, I live in the area, and when I am walking through town, if we are not playing well, people are asking me what happened, or on the flip side if we are playing well, people are saying they enjoyed it.
“So, I have to face that, which I love, and it drives me on even more, especially to give back to the fans that come to support the club.”
The Glassboys have managed just one win in their past six league games and are looking to bounce back after two straight defeats.
“The past four or five results have not been great, and as a team we have not shown our full potential that we are capable of which has been disappointing,” Knights added.
McDonald’s departure at the end of last season came after the club board said it had “no choice” but to make a change amid “financial issues and long-term uncertainty.”
That uncertainty came when the club announced that deterioration of the banks surrounding the War Memorial Athletic Ground had forced the removal of several stands and floodlights.
However, despite those challenges, Knights says he’s relishing the opportunity.
“As a whole I have really enjoyed it and taken to it better than I thought I would have,” he continued.
“I have been at the club for a number of years, I know the club inside out and what situation I was getting into. Everyone has been brilliant. I have had the support system around me which has really helped.”
Stourbridge face a tough test against a Leiston side who are unbeaten in their past seven league games, but Knights is hoping for a positive homecoming after four consecutive away trips.
“They are a very strong outfit,” he added. “They have had some great results, so it will be a tough task, but something we are looking forward to.
“Especially being back at home, in front of our home crowd, and hopefully we can show them what we can do.”
Elsewhere, rivals Halesowen Town visit Royston Town as they look to secure a third successive league win. The Yeltz will be aiming to bounce back from consecutive cup defeats in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
In the Northern Premier League, high-flyers Hednesford Town host Hyde United, hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six league matches. The Pitmen have won their last three league games but have suffered back-to-back cup losses.
Meanwhile, 15th-placed Rushall Olympic travel to Bamber Bridge, who sit one place above them in the standings. Rushall are winless in their past five league matches, drawing three of those.
In the National League North, Kidderminster Harriers entertain Radcliffe as they look to return to winning ways after their unbeaten run was halted by Peterborough Sports last weekend.