Knight is remaining grounded (From Dorset Echo)

Knight is remaining grounded

9:00am Thursday 9th February 2012

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ALTHOUGH thoroughly enjoying his first foray into management, Alan Knight is fully aware that tougher times lie in wait.

Since his appointment at the end of November, the Magpies have suffered only one defeat in nine Blue Square Bet South outings and now sit just three points adrift of the play-offs.

For all the recent joy, including an unbeaten record in January, the county town chief knows his luck could change at any moment.

Discussing the past 10 weeks, the former Portsmouth gloveman said: “Because results have gone well I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I haven’t experienced the other side of it, which I have seen with other guys and been told about, but I’ll be ready for it, if and when it happens.

“At the moment it’s all good but it’ll probably be easier to answer at the end of the season.”

Following 10 losses in their opening 15 games of the season, the Magpies sat 17th in the table and only five points clear of the drop-zone.

Ex-boss Ashley Vickers was then relieved of his duties and caretaker duo Phil Simkin and Mark Jermyn led the Magpies on an impressive run before the arrival of Knight.

The latter added: “I have settled in well and Phil and Jem have helped with the transition. The fact it’s a well-run club also helps.

“It was just a case of me coming in and not rocking the boat too much as we were doing well beforehand.

“There are little bits and bobs I didn’t quite expect but at the moment I have been able to deal and contend with everything.

“I’m always told to expect the unexpected and there are always some frustrations, but you get that with any job.

“The main thing right now is that it’s a results-based business and the results have been pretty good.

“If and when things change, that will be the big test.”

On the subject of man-management, the 50-year-old said: “You can end up upsetting people and although I have used bits and bobs from other people I just try to treat people how I would like to be treated.

“I’m not trying to imitate anyone else. You can’t keep everyone happy and there are times when people will get the hump. But I can only be as honest as I can with them.”

With 39 points up for grabs between now and the end of the season, the Magpies have set their sights on recording their highest ever finish at this level – the previous best being eighth in 2004/05 – and potentially clinching a play-off berth.

Knight, whose side host Chelmsford on Saturday, add-ed: “You don’t want to speak too soon but that would be a great achievement. We’ve got 13 huge games to go and it’s exciting stuff for the lads. They are certainly excited about what lies ahead.”

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