DANNY COWLEY says that he had to take Lincoln City’s offer to be a full-time manager because he’d regret not following his dream if he didn’t.
The 36-year-old and his brother Nicky have been lured by the Imps from their National League rivals Braintree Town.
The duo masterminded the part-time Iron’s third-place finish in a remarkable season that was only ended by an extra-time play-off semi-final winner from Grimsby Town.
Lincoln made their approach and persuaded the brothers to leave their jobs as PE teachers at the highly-respected FitzWimarc School for a crack in full-time football.
“I’ve always been taught not to make decisions with emotion,” Cowley told The NLP. “Obviously it was an emotional week after the disappointment of last Sunday.
“Unfortunately when we have success I’m over it within ten minutes – disappointment stays with me a lot longer.
“Ultimately an opportunity to go into full-time football is something we couldn’t turn down – it’s not an opportunity that comes around every day for regular people like Nicky and I. And we never want to live with regret.
“If we didn’t take this opportunity now then we would look back at regret it. I’ve had 15 years as a teacher and thoroughly, thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy the subject I teach and I enjoy working with children and trying to make a difference to their lives.
“But this is an opportunity to do something for me. I suppose it’s following our dream and not everyone gets the chance to live out their dream.
“That’s what this opportunity will give us, but we understand it is just an opportunity. Now it’s important Nicky and I work as hard as we can to make it a successful one.”
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Cowley, who only joined Braintree last summer after eight hugely successful years at Concord Rangers.
Opportunity
Cowley’s exploits taking the club from the Essex Senior League to the National League South made him Braintree’s No 1 target to replace predecessor Alan Devonshire.
And he’s had plenty of admirers this season with Forest Green, Tranmere Rovers, even though Gary Brabin is still in charge, and Northampton Town – without a manager after Chris Wilder joined Sheffield United – all understood to have shown interest.
“Nine years ago we were playing in front of 62 people at Sawbridgeworth,” Cowley said. “I’ve always dreamed of being involved in professional football. I came up a bit short as a player and I’ve had to work very hard for this opportunity and having done long, long hours, I am very respectful of this opportunity. I expect and I intend to make it successful.
“Nicky and I are winners. We expect to win. We’ll be doing everything in our power to make sure we are on the right side of success.”
And Cowley had special praise for the club he’s departing. “We leave Braintree with a heavy heart,” he said. “Chairman Lee Harding gave us a chance. We were only there a short time, but it’s been a good time.
“Ultimately we’re only cogs in the wheel. There are a lot of other people who have also played their part and without their hard work and efforts – as well as the fans’ support – we wouldn’t have the opportunity Nicky and I now have.”
