As part of the Shotley peninsula's UP CLOSE WITH series we talk with Pin Mill Pirates manager Ollie Holmes

When Ollie Holmes took over as first team coach for Pin Mill Pirates it is fair to say they were more than just floundering in their first season, but looked set to sink without trace after failing to taste victory before a change of manager.

It looked a poisoned chalice but Holmes quickly got his swashbuckling side to put the opposition to the sword and they have had affair wind behind them ever since.

"I like a challenge and it's been good fun so far," grinned Holmes. "When I took over we hadn't won a game but thankfully the first game we played together was a cup game against a lower opposition where we got a result and then we kicked on from there.

"Happily we stayed up last season and I like the challenge of getting the boys together and making sure we are set out properly so its been really enjoyable so far"

"Despite the poor results last season and the fact it's a new club, there's always been a good spirit when playing."

This season will be Holmes first full year as a manager and despite troubled waters ahead for all clubs, he is looking forward making the transition from player to coach.

Although he still plays Saturday football with Tattingstone, he is enjoying the slow transition to manager, made easier because he knows his crew really well.

"I have always played, up until last season. I was signed on for the Pirates last season but due to problems it was a stretch for me to play Saturdays and Sundays, so when they were looking for a gaffer I put my name forward

"We all know each other from school days and playing together in previous clubs, such as the Chelmondiston squad that won the treble a few years ago so we are all familiar with each other and playing here."

After winning the league and two cups, including the County cup, in 2017 Chelmondiston AFC folded after the manager and many players felt it had achieved its goal and it was the right time to let the club finish at the top.

Last year though, Matt Barker, Josh Hunt, Cameron Fairweather and Tom Bell pulled together mates from former clubs, including Copplestonians, Debenham and Tattingstone, to create the new team, which went straight into the Premier Division of the Ipswich Sunday League.

One of the things Holmes has done this year is change the width of the pitch to suit the Pirates style of play.

Holmes said: "We thought the pitch was a little small so we've widened it because we like playing football, we're a ball playing side at heart so the more space we have to express ourselves and play football, the better really.

"The pitch is a bit bobbly at the moment because we haven't had much rain but once it gets a little bit colder it will be a nice surface to play on."

With the pitch sorted, good squad numbers and hopefully, the ISL Premier Division fixtures still going again, Holmes is confident Pin Mill can have a good season and has targeted success, with the players buying into that treasured result.

"Just to finish as high in the league as we can. Obviously Kitchener are extremely strong and Borussia Martleshem are strong as well so we have some good teams in our league but I think we can play well and I'm aiming high with a top three and a cup run.

Pirates will be able to fathom out their progress on the opening day next week when they take on St Pauls, who beat then 3-0 a year ago.

"That was our first game last season and we struggled," admitted Holmes. "But we've been playing together for a full year and we're again familiar with each other so I'm hoping for three points.

"They players are up for it. I've been very open with the lads to what the expectations are and top three is the goal."

"Do you have any managerial inspirations you might try and follow their style?"

"The gaffer I have on a Saturday at "You're looking into top 3, do the team buy into that?"

While the likes of Pep Guardiola and Alex Ferguson are obvious influencers, Ollie looks closer to home for guidance and inspiration, with the Tattingstone boss his guiding light.

"James Parker, is a close friend and how he's got that team set up is sort of how I've tried to set up here, we have a known formation and play a certain way and that's the mentality I've tried to buy into.

"We want to play football though, not long balls over the top, so he's definitely someone I look up to. Professionally it's probably Guardiola or Ferguson and all those big names really.

"My own style is not overly critical and I try and be constructive."

With that Holmes is away collecting bibs and organising a celebratory tot of rum, or a beer, at a nearby hostelry after a convincing pre-season conquest.