The quip was typical of Gary Lowe who was reappointed manager of Hyde this morning (Friday). He and assistant Martyn Booty are back in charge until the end of the season.
Facing them is a seemlingly impossible task. They have to save a thoroughly demoralised team which sits nine points adrift at the bottom of Vanarama North, 11 points from safety, and which has just suffered the heaviest defeat in its history to arch-rivals and fellow relegation contenders Stalybridge Celtic.
Even so, Lowe couldn’t be more eager for the challenge. “Martyn and I are looking forward to the Barrow game on Sunday. It can’t come soon enough and I’m pleased that we’re facing a club at the top end of the table. I can’t wait to get through the doors,” he commented.
“It’s a tough ask but we’ve got to be positive and believe we can do it. There’s a chance that we can turn it round and that’s what we’ve got to focus on.
“But if we’re going to do it we need the support of the entire club. When I was here in 2011-12 I had a good relationship with everyone. Our success was shared with the fans, directors and players and I see no reason why we shouldn’t be able to carry that on.”
Although Hyde supporters had long clamoured for Lowe to return, it was not thought possible because of the poor relationship with club owner Jon Manship which led to Lowe and Booty leaving Ewen Fields days after they had led the Tigers to the 2012 Conference North championship.
However, Lowe refused to look backwards saying: “You can’t change things that are in the past. The important thing is to look forwards. Martyn and I are delighted to be here and we really believe we can turn it round.
“This morning I had no reason to think I’d get the job back but in the afternoon I was contacted by club officials including the chairman, Joe Kitchen, and the chief executive, Pete Ainger, and we worked something out. I’m very excited. After all I have some very good memories of Hyde.
“All I’m doing now is focusing on the positives and on keeping Hyde in Conference North. The fans know Martyn and me and they know that we’ll work very hard.
“I’m hoping to meet the players as soon as possible and they’ll all get their chance. But the clock is ticking and we’ve already spoken to some prospective signings."