I want to be top boss, says manageress Powell

FISHER ATHLETIC chairman Martin Eede branded Donna Powell's temporary appointment as manager a success after last night's spirited display during last night’s 2-1 home defeat to Eastleigh.

Eede, speaking to www.fisherathletic.co.uk today said, 'I was delighted by the player's response in the second half. I feared for us at half time and thought it was only a matter of time before Eastleigh ran away with it but the team's response was fantastic and they put in one of our best performances of the season after half time.

“I've always raved about the players commitment to the cause and the 100% effort they put in week in-week out but last night was something else, the workrate was astronomical.”

Powell, 27, banked £500 worth of sponsorship money to become manager for the night, and she paid tribute to the players for their spirited display.

“I wasn't happy with the way my team played in the first half,” she told www.fisherathletic.co.uk.

“It was too comfortable for Eastleigh but during the interval I switched the formation to 4-4-2. Two banks of four to bolster the defence and I put on an extra target man to try and put the Eastleigh defence under pressure.

“The response from the players was very pleasing and Rausy scored a terrific goal near the end.

“I thought we were a little unlucky not to nick a draw but for the rub of the green and I was disappointed with Eastleigh's time wasting tactics but it proved they were worried as we put them under considerable pressure late on.”

A stunning free-kick from American John Raus on 89 minutes set up a grand stand finish for Fisher, in front of a crowd of 287, but it came too late for the home side as they stretched their unwanted record of twelve straight defeats, leaving them one spot off the foot in the Blue Square South table.

Despite her night in the limelight, Powell hands over the managerial reigns back to Dave Mehmet for Saturday’s home game against Worcester City.

“I'd love to be offered a role on the coaching staff on a more permanent basis,” Powell said.

“I've earned the player's respect and they know I'm not here just for a night out, I'm desperate for a career coaching in football, I've already got my level one and two coaching badges and should gain my level three's in September.

“I believe I've got the talent to succeed and I want to once again thank everyone who sponsored me and also Dave and Martin for giving me this opportunity.'

Speaking about the rare media exposure that the club attracted, Mr Eede said, “'The publicity has been excellent for our club and we more than doubled our usual home attendance so I'm happy.

“I think Donna and the team's performance proved this wasn't just a publicity stunt. The £500 raised by Donna was a nice token gesture but we wanted to give her the experience, she deserved it.

“The supporters wanted it because they were the ones who sponsored Donna in the first place and I wouldn't be a very good chairman if I didn't listen to the fans.

“Donna's taking her coaching badges and in September she will be fully qualified to manage in the Conference.

“She's pestered the board for nearly two years for this chance and I'm glad we could do this for her.

“Donna wasn't just anyone, she loves this club, she's put in the hard work and proved to the board she has the right credentials.

“Other clubs appoint their own people and promote from within and that's what we've done here. Donna's now seen what's involved and I see no reason that if she continues on this path, gains further experience that takes those coaching badges she can do a job in football going forward.”

Quotes courtesy of www.fisherathletic.co.uk

Fisher Athletic v Worcester City
Blue Square South
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Champion Hill Stadium, Dog Kennel Hill, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD