By Connor Armstrong
MARCUS LAW feels like he is looking in the mirror upon his return to Kettering Town, as both club and manager look to build more than just a team.
Law returned in controversial circumstances this summer, taking over despite the success of the previous management double-act of Scott Machin and Thomas Baillie.
Machin and Baillie led the Poppies to the Southern League Division One Central title, but it was not enough for them to keep their jobs.
Law, 39, has returned to the Northamptonshire club after four years away with spells as manager of Chasetown and Tamworth.
He rejoins the Poppies in the Southern League Premier, two steps below the National League, the level at which he left the club in 2011.
He is now focusing on returning the club to previous heights, with an eye on going one step further in the future.
Law told The NLP: “They’re revitalising the club and bringing back those who love it.
Identity
“It’s about more than bringing players into the first team, it’s about creating an identity and an ethos.
“Kettering really have the viability of growing, and I can grow with them. There is that mirror, there is symmetry.
“Kettering have the means to be capable to drive towards the Football League.”
After his return was confirmed by the Latimer Park outfit, Law spoke of a ‘revolution’ at the club, with chairman Ritchie Jeune leading a period of restructuring.
And Jeune highlighted Law’s experience and track record as being pivotal to his appointment, stating: “Not only does he have the experience to meet the club’s first team aspirations but he also has a proven track record with developing and fostering academy players and coaching staff, which was one of the key requirements set out by the board at the start of the process.”
The Poppies continued restructuring has lifted the organisation of the academy from Law’s responsibilities, enabling the former Barwell boss to focus on first team matters.
But he insists that the club will place an emphasis on providing opportunities for promising home-grown players.
Law said: “You find a lot of clubs where it’s us and them, but there is a pathway here. I will help with the academy.
“I think all supporters like seeing that, it’s the cheaper option and it also gives an association with the club. But it’s easier said than done.”
And while the transfer window has seen slow progress to-date for Kettering, Law is not panicking, having become accustomed to the pantomime of the transfer market.
“I’m not going to overcommit too early,” Law added. “I know supporters like to know who you’re signing, but I’m taking it easy and we’re going through a slow process.”
