Although he’s been in post less than a week he feels he’s got every reason to be positive. He’s happy with the terms he’s secured from the Seel Park board, he believes he’ll get the players he’s targeted, and he’s very enthusiastic about getting to know the town and its people.
“I hope the fans can look forward to being entertained because I like to get the ball down and play,” said Fish.
“While I’m no particular lover of the direct style, I do like to get the ball into midfield quickly and out to the wings. I like to play with width to stretch the game.
“I also think it would be nice to have a cup run and I know the directors are keen that we do well in the cup competitions. There’s something special about cup runs and I know from my own experience that they’re the sort of thing that stays with you.
“The first round of the FA Cup, the quarter-finals of the Vase and the semi-finals of the Trophy are the games I look back to, not a wet February afternoon in the league at Squires Gate.
“I think you’re doing the players and the fans a bit of an injustice if you fail to take the cups seriously.”
Lockdown has prevented Fish from meeting his inherited squad face to face but he has spoken to everyone by phone including the players he wants to bring in. While admitting there is work to do, he believes he can get everything finalised in the next week or so.
He added: “In terms of the squad I’m putting together, if I get everyone I think we’ll be very competitive and it would be nice to be competing around the play-off places. It’ll be a combination of players who are experienced at this level and young lads with a point to prove.
“I’m pleased with my budget. In fact more than pleased because I spent two years without one at Chadderton. It’ll be nice to have a budget but that will bring its own challenges and an extra dimension. But my budget’s absolutely reasonable and something I can work with.”
Fish admits to being in limbo in terms of the new season and when lockdown will ease enough to allow games to take place. Contacts in the game lead him to believe the National League is planning for a September start so that’s what he’s pinning his hopes on.
However, his managerial role is not confined to on-field matters. Part of his remit is to spread the word about Mossley AFC and to build relationships in the town and surrounding area. As a Stalybridge native he knows the place well and relishes the chance to work with the community.
“It’s a big thing for me. I’ve always enjoyed the development side of things and bringing in sponsorship, but I also like being head of the whole club, not just the team. As a former chairman of governors I’m especially looking forward to working with the schools,” explained the new boss.
Fish has also created a new chapter in the Lilywhites’ long history by being the first manager to be interviewed by video link, an experience he describes as rather surreal.