Work to '˜right the wrongs' has already started at Poppies

Marcus Law says the work to 'right the wrongs' of this season at Kettering Town has already started.
Marcus Law encourages his Kettering Town team during their 1-1 draw with St Ives Town. Pictures by Alison BagleyMarcus Law encourages his Kettering Town team during their 1-1 draw with St Ives Town. Pictures by Alison Bagley
Marcus Law encourages his Kettering Town team during their 1-1 draw with St Ives Town. Pictures by Alison Bagley

A campaign that promised much is now petering out with the Poppies heading for a mid-table finish in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.

Aaron O’Connor’s goal earned them a 1-1 draw with St Ives Town at Latimer Park yesterday but the main talking point at the club has been Ritchie Jeune’s decision to step down as chairman at the end of the season.

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Jeune will be replaced by board member for David Mahoney for the next two seasons but remains the club’s owner and will stay on the board and the football committee.

Aaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponentAaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponent
Aaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponent

Jeune’s statement on Friday also reiterated his belief in boss Law, who has come under pressure from the club’s fans this season following a frustrating campaign.

Law accepts that his team have “failed” to achieve their target of being in the promotion shake-up but he insists steps are already being taken as attention already turns to the next campaign.

“The situation is as Ritchie has explained it,” Law said.

“He is still going to be involved but he is putting people into positions for the good of the club.

James Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St IvesJames Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St Ives
James Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St Ives
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“We have failed this year and we have already got the work going on and things being put in place to hopefully right the wrongs of this season.

“I have been personally ridiculed when we have lost or not performed but the reality is that we are probably in the right position that our season has merited.

“It’s not what the fans want to hear because of the size of the club but that’s the journey.

“The reality is that the journey might have to be a bit longer. On the playing side, we have not met the aim of promotion, maybe it was a bit too soon to talk about it. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves and we haven’t delivered.

Aaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponentAaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponent
Aaron O'Connor, who grabbed Kettering's equaliser, challenges a St Ives opponent
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“That will all be part of the review of what has or hasn’t happened this season and looking at what needs to be done to ensure we are better in the future.”

As far as the game with St Ives was concerned, Law admitted to being frustrated.

The Poppies fell behind to Ben Seymour-Shove’s goal in the second half before O’Connor earned them a point with seven minutes to go.

“It was a difficult game and it was very frustrating at times,” Law added.

James Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St IvesJames Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St Ives
James Haran returned from a long injury lay-off in the Poppies' draw against St Ives
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“They got a fortunate ricochet in the build-up to their goal and it was tough after that because we only really huffed and puffed.

“But we kept going and we got the goal we deserved.”

The Poppies return to action on Tuesday night when they take on Brackley Town in the NFA Hillier Senior Cup semi-final at Latimer Park.

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