It was great to see Hundleton return to senior football last season, reentering the league setup in the 5th Division. Paul Sly's team won the league at the first time of asking and were the stand out team throughout the season, gaining promotion alongside Johnston 2nds, managed by Connect: Pembrokeshire director Dan Metcalf. Paul sat down with Dan to discuss his success. 

Dan: Congratulations on winning Division Five in Hundleton’s first season back in Pembrokeshire football, well done to all involved on the great effort getting the club back together and going up the first time of asking. Was that the goal at the start of the season?

Paul Sly: Thanks Dan, yes it was a great effort from the boys this season. We got off to a flyer playing some nice football and getting good results, but then a lot of injuries hit us half way through the season. The squad pulled together when needed, with everyone playing a massive part in our push for promotion - achieving the aim the boys had at the start of the season.

Dan: How difficult was it to attract players, to get the right people? Was this a challenge or were people excited by the prospect of coming to Hundleton?

Paul Sly: It's always hard starting up a new team as you've got to convince boys to drop down a league or two to get you going. Having trained a number of junior sides over the years I had to get the black book out and call in some old friends and family to get the ball rolling.

Dan: Managing a first team in Div 5 is not made easier by the fact you can face teams who can drop down players depending on fixtures, you also had a few injuries in the second half of the season, what was your message to the group as you were looking to get over the line?

Paul Sly: Managing in the lower divisions is always going to be hard. I thought a 2nds team manager had it hard which at times they do, when the 1sts are struggling and they have to push a few boys from the 2nds up, but then on the other foot you get the luxury of players being dropped down to you come the end of the season if you're in the promotion battle or going on a cup run. Only having "one team" throughout the season, we didn't have the luxury of that and paid the price in our final handful of games where we lost our unbeaten run, but we can't cry over spilt milk and we go again.

Dan: What are the plans for the club going forward? I’m guessing you’ll be targeting another promotion? I can see that a 2nds team has also been entered into Division Five?

Paul Sly: For our plans going forward are we will be entering a 2nds team next year full of young hungry local boys stepping up from junior football with a few older heads returning to the club next season so we're looking forward to that.

Dan: Looking back over a superb season, lets hear some of your favourite moments, whether its games or goals, what stands out for you?

Paul Sly: Looking back on this season it has been a good year for Hundy and I've enjoyed managing even though I was only meant to help where I could, but we go again next month now with two teams and hope both have good season with promotions the aim and good cup runs. I would also like to say a massive thanks to our sponsors Penfro Pest Control, Pride Clean, Central Motors, RyCal and last but not least Michelle at the Cross Saws for hosting the club this season.

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