New boss vows to change 'mindset'

Bell has set his sights on “changing the mindset” at the relegated club after originally joining the Steelmen back in October as number two to former boss Gary Mills.

Pictured alongside Corby Town chairman Stevie Noble, centre, and new assistant manager Rob Gould, left, Bell went on to play a key role on and off the pitch as the Steelmen so nearly pulled off the great escape before being condemned to successive relegations on the last day of the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division season.

In a statement announcing his appointment, Bell told fans that he is fully focused on the tough task ahead and is looking forward to succeeding with the help of former Wellingborough Town boss and Stamford assistant manager Gould following two devastating campaigns for the Steelmen.

The 33-year-old said: “It’s a big opportunity for me, it’s a terrific football club. We have had two bad years with back-to-back relegations, which isn’t ideal at any level and it’s now our job as a management team to try to change the fortunes.

“I have got Rob in with me as my assistant and he brings a wealth of experience with him. He has played all the levels and he has been an assistant at the level we have just come down from so he is someone I will be leaning on.

“It’s going to be a very tough job but one I am looking forward to. If you look at the statistics of teams bouncing back at the first time of asking following relegation, the odds are slim but it’s now our job to pick everyone up.

"We can’t keep crying about the relegation, it’s done and dusted and we are on to a new challenge in a new division and we have to go into it with a side that is going to be competing at the other end of the table."

He added: “We need to try to change into a winning mindset because the club has been losing games for two years. Me and Rob understand the magnitude of the job but it’s one we believe we can succeed in.”

Steelmen chairman Noble told supporters that Bell had impressed everyone at Steel Park with his “professionalism” since his arrival and “good judgement” in choosing Gould as his assistant.

Noble said: “Obviously we were licking our wounds last week but you can’t have that for too long. You have to get on with it, you have to look at yourself and certainly David was one of the lads who did that. He impressed everyone with his professionalism and the things he did. It was crucial to get this done and dusted and I am happy with who David wanted to bring in as well."

“I have known Rob many many years. When I first came across him I knew he had something about him as a guy, which is the most important thing, and as a football person. It shows good judgement on David’s behalf to get someone with Rob’s experience and knowledge."

Image courtesy of corbytownfc.co.uk

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