New Newbury FC chairman Danny Langford aiming to ‘start fresh’
Newbury Football Club has undergone something of a reset in recent weeks.
Earlier this month it was announced that a restructure would take place at the club.
Former chairman, Richard Jackson, has stepped away from his role at the top of the club.
His replacement is a fan-favourite, with former player and manager Danny Langford taking on the position.
The changes don’t stop there however, with the popular Carl Jenner taking on the role as manager.
He’ll be supported by Luke Gray, Scott Jenner and James O’Doherty.
O’Doherty will also take on the role of Director of Football, serving as a bridge between the committee and the football operation.
Nic Robbins has also joined the committee as Head of Commercial and Social Media, while Tom Jackson will serve as vice-chair.
Langford was keen to get started and full of enthusiasm, speaking shortly after the announcement.
“It’s a club close to my heart,” he said.
“I’ve spent fifteen years being involved in football locally.
“Newbury is where I first started playing men’s football at sixteen.
“I’ve managed them before, supported them.
“This has been in the pipeline for some time.”
Langford’s most recent role in football was as manager of Kintbury Rangers, where he laid the groundwork for their promotion last season before taking a break from the sport.
“I took a break from football purely because of family commitments,” he explained.
“The opportunity arose… it was just going to be a matter of time.
“They had a tough season, but credit to them for what they have done, getting young kids playing.”
Langford is understandably gracious in his assessment, but last season really was something of a nightmare for the club.
Newly promoted to the Thames Valley Premier League, they finished dead last in the league, winning only one game.
They did eventually return to Faraday Road, but not without some distracting delays, and lost 20 of their 26 games, conceding an average of 2.7 goals per game.
“Now we can start fresh, bring some new ideas and some new blood to the table,” Langford stated.
“I truly believe the people involved with this club are incredible.
“It’s a mix of youth and experience.
“I will give those guys as much support as I can.
“I don’t do anything by half, I want the best for the football club.
“There’s no reason why we can’t be successful together.”
The summer will be one of reconstruction on the playing side, with the new management team looking to build a squad capable of competing more consistently.
Last season saw Newbury lean heavily on youth, which although an admirably brave approach, saw them bullied by more physical sides on many occasions.
“I’ve played in this league many times,” said Langford.
“What we’ve learned over the years is that this league is basically a Step 6 league.
“There are some sides here which could compete at that level, and it’s really, really physical.
“You’re coming up against men. That’s got to be the starting point.
“Youth needs to be integrated with experience and we need leaders.
“Carl has a good team around him and competing will be the aim.
“There’s no pressure on them to win the league, it’s just to compete, do the best they can.”
Langford’s attention will also turn to the commercial side of the club.
He and Robbins have plenty of ideas to boost the club’s income, all centred around a greater connection with the local community.
“We are really a Step 7 club, and the jump from 7 to 6 is one of the biggest,” he said.
“You need a lot more volunteers, it becomes a different operation.
“We need to be a community club, have a bond with people.
“We want to work with local schools, have kids doing shootouts at half-time, family fun days, tie-ins with local events, let's think outside the box.
“Let’s become a club that everyone wants to come and watch.”
