Kendal sticking to local plan

Kendal Town insist they won’t risk the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club’s long term future as they draw up a short list of candidates for their vacant manager’s post.

Following the exit of Lee Ashscoft for Northwich Victoria last week the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Mintcakes vowed to go ‘back to basics’ and appoint a manager who’ll give home grown players a chance.

Kendal Chairman Haydon Munslow said they were forced into making the decision after taking into account the harsh economic realities they faced and the opinions of supporters, unhappy that not a single member of their squad lives within 40 miles of Parkside Road.

On Monday the Mintcakes Chairman revealed they were now considering a number of applicants who met their strict criteria and would start interviewing candidates this week.

Munslow, who expects the process might run into next week due to the high number of applicants, said: "It’s very encouraging that a good number of local applications have been received which are all being considered. A short list of candidates is being drawn up who will be interviewed in person by the club's management committee later this week and if required early next."

According to Munslow, members-run Kendal are already making significant savings since Ashcroft’s departure by moving training back from Leyland and reducing squad traveling costs by encouraging local talent. With no bar income forcing the club to generate all of its income from advertisers, sponsors and supporters coming through the turnstile, Munslow says they're determined to press on with the club's new locally focused ethos.

"We have a plan and are being prudent where so many other clubs are risking all to try and win one more match. We know many other clubs playing at and around our level are struggling to make financial ends meet so we hope our fans will get behind us, see the changes we’ve made and come back to watch the home games.

He added: "It will not be easy as we play at a high level. But together with the right support we can all move forward. The new manager will have a tighter budget to work with but going local is part of how we can address fans’ desires with the reality of a reduced budget."