Carden out to entertain after taking Horsham YMCA reins

The veteran of more than 500 games as a player at Gorings Mead has stepped up to take the manager’s job after Julian Miller moved on.

He takes over at a difficult period for the club – they sit 19th in the Southern Combination premier division, only a point above the single relegation place in 20th. And he took time to sad how sad everyone at the club was that the role didn’t work out for Miller.

Despite this, Carden feels honoured to be given the opportunity to manage the club he has been a huge part of as a player.

“To be offered the chance to manage the club that has been a part of my life since 2002 and which I have made 500-plus appearances for... I cannot express the honour I felt and the privilege of being asked to take the reins of this amazing club.

“I have always made no secret that I would love to manage but to be offered the role was always going to surprise me no matter when.”

A tough start to the season has seen YM pick up only one win and Carden has outlined his long-term and short-term ambitions

“The start has been a massive struggle due to players that have exited the club and others that could not commit any more. Julian tried everything he could to keep us on track,” said Carden.

“The manager is always the one that takes the blame but in this case I am gutted that such a genuine and passionate man had to be on the chopping block.

“No matter where we sat in the league when he departed, no-one wanted to see him go and we would still have him back at YM at the drop of a hat.

“Moving forward, my plan is to steady the ship in the coming weeks albeit against some tough opposition with a view of adding three or four experienced players to my squad.

“I am not in this for the short term and believe that this could be the start of a journey for myself, my players and the club.”

Carden is looking to make his side an entertaining one to watch as they try to escape a relegation scrap.

“Firstly we will become harder to break down, especially at home. Once we feel this has been achieved I see us becoming a very strong side going one way and a very exciting side going the other. I want people to enjoy playing for Horsham YMCA and others to enjoy watching us.”

Lockdown may have come at a good time for Horsham YMCA as Carden has used it as a chance to regroup and prepare.

He said: “Lockdown has affected everybody in so many ways but I can assure you that this side has remained a group through every defeat and set back. I have no concerns that the talent and team ethic I have inherited will be enough to turn our season on its head.

“Players that come in will need to fit how the management team see us playing. There will be no panic signings, only players that can strengthen an already very talented but under-performing side.”