Article by Sol Finnon
As we hit the halfway mark of the season we spoke to Curzon Ashton Manager, Craig Mahon, about management, recruitment, competitions, momentum and the continued support.
(Q) After 23 games last season, the club found themselves in 6th. Fast forward a year, we now find ourselves top of the pack. Are you surprised by the club’s form this season, or were the signs to kick on already there?
(A) Yes and no, really. I know what this group of players is capable of achieving and the quality they have, but it’s still unbelievable to see a club like Curzon top of the league, especially with some of the ex-Football League clubs competing in this division.
(Q) When you analyse the fact that the club has recorded 17 clean sheets this season, how much of that would you put down to the organisation we have seen, particularly from Devon Matthews and Marcus Poscha? In addition, would you say that in this division, being defensively organised is the most important factor in winning games?
(A) Not conceding is crucial in any division. Having the defensive organisation we’ve seen, particularly from players like Devon Matthews and Marcus Poscha, has been key. But we also have the quality upfront to make it count. We know that if we keep a clean sheet, we’re likely to score goals as well, which has been a huge part of our success.
(Q) The contribution of Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has been immense, offering Curzon a unique type of threat as a technical and tricky forward, marking a great example of successful summer recruitment. Would you say that we got our recruitment right, and if so, who deserves the plaudits?
(A) Myself and the staff worked really hard this summer on recruitment. We wanted to bring in players with quality who offered something different, but the main focus for us was their character. Would they fit into our way of thinking? Would they be the right personalities for the dressing room? Everyone we’ve brought in has done that and has played a huge part in our season. It’s definitely been a group effort, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.
(Q) Has there been talk of seasonal targets amongst the players and staff, or has it been a case of focusing on each game as they arrive? And if there were targets placed, what were they?
(A) We’ve tried to take each game as it comes. It’s about staying grounded and not looking too far ahead. We don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows. Staying humble and working hard has been our focus from the start.
(Q) This season, the club were able to compete in the FA Cup Proper for a record third time in three seasons. How impressive is this achievement, and what does it represent about the state and condition of the club as a whole?
(A) It’s a fantastic achievement for a club like ours to say we’ve played in the FA Cup Proper three years in a row. It puts the club on the map and raises our profile. It also shows that everyone at the club—from the chairman right through to the staff and players—is moving in the right direction and working together to make Curzon as successful and healthy as possible.
(Q) The club is still going strong in the Manchester Premier Cup. How does the value of our success in the tournament compare to our success in the league? And would you say that the MPC is an important piece of the furniture for clubs from Manchester in these divisions?
(A) We take every game and every competition seriously. The Manchester Premier Cup is another opportunity to win silverware, and that’s something we value. When I first took over, I wanted to ensure that myself, the staff, and the players left a legacy behind, and winning trophies is a big part of that.
(Q) Have you noticed a shift this season from the entire club, including the fans, in regard to self-belief and confidence? If so, what would you argue is the main determinant for this?
(A) Yes, definitely. There’s an aura about us now. We’re still humble, but we go into games knowing that if we’re at our best, we can beat anyone in this league. It’s a confidence thing, and it’s great to see that belief extending to our fans as well. Teams coming to play us now sometimes fear us, which shows how far we’ve come.
(Q) With 23 league games remaining, what is the focus at the moment, and is there an understanding of sorts amongst the squad regarding a plan to navigate the second half of the season?
(A) Similar to what we’ve spoken about earlier, it’s all about taking each game as it comes. We’re delighted with how the first half of the season has gone, but we’re only halfway there. The focus is on maintaining our form and giving ourselves the best possible opportunity to achieve something special.
(Q) How impressed have you been with Curzon’s following this season, both home and away? Do you think your own connection with the Curzon faithful has strengthened?
(A)The support has been fantastic. We have a great relationship with our fans, and we’re so grateful for their encouragement, whether we win, lose, or draw. That bond drives us forward, and the connection we’ve built is something we’re very proud of.
(Q) Are there any messages that you would like to send across in relation to the rest of the season, to anyone—maybe the rest of the division or even the supporters?
(A) A big thank you from myself, the staff, and the players to the fans. We know we’re not the biggest club in numbers, but we’re big in heart. Together, we’ll do everything we can to be as successful as possible. There’s still a long way to go, and no one knows what the future holds, so let’s enjoy the moment and see where it takes us.
We thank Craig for his time in answering the questions and we offer the best of luck to Craig and the whole first team in our hunt for success this season!
