James Amos states his intentions for next season

New We Hate Ben player-manager James Amos 20, officially became the sixth WHB boss after the end of Chris Webster's one-year tenure. Amos has been with the club for two seasons since joining in September 2010, having been signed by Matt L'argent.

Amos gave his first interview yesterday, and spoke and length about his plans and vision for the club as it goes into it's seventh season. Amos began by saying that "it's an honour to take charge of this great club" and that he is "really looking forward to getting started". Amos will start his managerial career by trying to tie down the remaining players to new contracts, and addressing the gaps left in the side by long-serving players Chris Webster, Stuart Fleming and Danny Shaw, who have now left the club after four seasons each. Amos said "I want to retain as many of the current playing staff as possible, and no-one has made any noises about leaving. Due to the large squad we already gave, I'll only be looking to make a few additions to replace the long-serving players [who have left] and we do need to freshen things up with some new blood, and I want to bring in a couple of younger players to help secure the long-term future of the club."

Amos, who plans to carry on playing regular football and not to take a backseat despite his managerial duties, said that he "won't be playing any more or less than before, but the team will always come first", before going on to say "that it's common knowledge that I am an avid Stoke City fan, but that doesn't mean that I want the team to play like them. I want us to best utilise the individual strengths of the players we have at our disposal, as I prefer to work with the players to find a system that suits them".

Amos then went on to explain the appointments of his new backroom team, having promoted Matt Davies to Assistant Manager to replace Stuart Fleming. Amos believes that Davies "much more playing experience" and is "a very composed player" who is "well respected throughout the team". After Rhys Jones relinquished the captaincy and vice-captain Jack Kelly left the club in January, Amos has named Jay Walker and James Phillips to fill these roles. Amos said that Walker "was the outstanding candidate" and is "a top player, very vocal on the pitch, and he brings the experience" needed to further his instructions on the pitch while Phillips "has shown great enthusiasm" and has "expressed an interest in having a bigger role on and off the pitch".

Amos signed off by speaking about his expectations for the season, saying he "would love to bring silverware back to the club, but first and foremost I want us to improve on last season" and stated that "if we start the season well, who knows what this great squad can achieve?"