Understated Unders Raring To Go

Enfield Town’s newly appointed No. 2 says the call to join the club came as something of a surprise but that he can’t wait to get started as an important part of Gavin Macpherson’s management team.

Assistant manager Jon “Unders” Underwood, former joint manager at Slough before taking over the reins at Beaconsfield and Bracknell, believes his management skills will ideally complement those of Gavin as we embark on our first pre-season friendly at home to AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday.

“I received an out of the blue call from Gav a few weeks back asking if I’d be interested. I’ve always got on well with Gav and the big attraction for me was getting back into this league after a couple of years,” Jon explained in his first interview since joining.

Also paramount to his decision was the way the club is structured.

“Everything I’ve heard has been really positive, obviously the way it’s run and the supporters. It’s never easy to go from Step 3 into Step 2.  There’s a lot to be excited about and lot of reasons to be here. I’m also a big Tottenham fan which of course is just around the corner!”

Town’s special fan-based ethos was a particular attraction. “I wanted to be at a club where everyone was pulling in the same direction, that’s the most important thing,” said Jon, known affectionately as ‘Unders’.

“From everything I hear, even in some of the tough times last season, everyone was behind Gav and the team. For me that’s massive because at a lot of clubs it’s not like that and the fans get on your back.”

At some clubs as well, said Jon, volunteers don’t always come forward willingly.  “My understanding at this place is that the fans want to get involved. I’m all for that. I’m an open, sociable person and am looking forward to meeting supporters in the bar!”

Unders believes his management skills will be put to good use in the dugout. It’s unlikely, for instance. you will see him charging up and down the touchline gesticulating!

“I know this league…I know the level and I’d to think I’m quite a calm person on the sidelines. Someone who can see things, spot things and come to Gavin with ideas and solutions. It can be a lonely place as a manager.”

“I won’t be a yes man but we’ve had a good discussion. Although we haven’t worked together before, I think it will work really well.”

Jon, who spent nine years at Slough, says he knew quite a few of the Town players before he arrived, having worked with one or two personally and come up against some others in matches. “So when I turned up for training for the first time, they knew me and I knew them. I’m  looking forward to putting everything into the role and continuing the good form from the end of last season.”

Similarities between Town and Slough in terms of part-time status could also work in Jon’s favour.

“They both do things right off the pitch.”

And on it? “Both of us and a few others are trying to compete against some big full-time sides. We shouldn’t be scared of that, we’ve got good players here and an experienced management team.  it’s going to be difficult but I can’t wait to get going.”

AW

Listen to the full interview on ETFC’s social media platforms