Former Burnley youth team captain dipping into the fountain of knowledge at Shawbridge!

Blues boss David Lynch is enjoying learning on the job.
Clitheroe FC manager David LynchClitheroe FC manager David Lynch
Clitheroe FC manager David Lynch

But he accepts that the fountain of knowledge on offer at Shawbridge has proved invaluable.

The 27-year-old has been able to call on the guidance and experience of director of football Carl Garner and assistant Chris Holland during his first spell in management.

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And other figureheads, including senior members of the playing staff, have been on hand to offer their honest thoughts and feedback.

“I’m enjoying it, and I think having someone of Carl Garner’s experience around for me to pluck ideas from has helped,” he said.

“Danny Pilkington and Gary Stopforth have been there as well, and they’ve been great.

“They’re like player-coaches, so as a young manager it’s been great getting their ideas on things.

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“They’ve been there and done it as well, so they know what it takes. There’s a lot of people, including Chris Holland, Craig Hobson, Billy Priestley, that I can get feedback from.”

Lynch added: “The team spirit is fantastic and the lads are enjoying each other’s company.

“It’s a very transparent group and because I’m a young manager, I like to get feedback from the players.

“I know a lot of the lads, I’ve shared dressing rooms with them before.

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“I’m not a manager that knows it all, I’ve still got a lot to learn so I like listening to people’s opinions.

“The team spirit is as strong as it could possibly be.

“The lads are realising that there is more in it.”

The former Alfreton Town midfielder, who served under Simon Garner in the Ribble Valley after being released by Burnley, has been calling the shots from the dugout all season.

The ex-Halifax Town man, who also played for Southport, hasn’t played a competitive minute yet this term.

But that could all change, as he feels that his leadership skills may also be required on the pitch at certain times.

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Lynch said: “I’ve not played one competitive minute yet, but I think that will have to change.

“I do think I’m going to be needed, I played 20-odd games in the Conference North last season.

“I wanted to step back and give the lads an opportunity, but the time is coming for me to get some minutes in.

“That would add some competition to the likes of Ross [Dent], Gaz [Stopforth], Oscar [O’Neil], which is a positive thing.

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“If somebody offered a club at this level a Conference North midfielder, then they’d snap their hand off.

“I have got massive trust in the lads, and I haven’t felt like I’ve been desperately needed at any point.

“Maybe the only time that I should have gone on to the football pitch was at Workington, just for my experience and to help see the game out.”

Clitheroe were scheduled to entertain Pickering Town at Shawbridge on Saturday, but, the latest national lockdown has caused a temporary halt to the Northern Premier League season for 28 days “to keep the R down”, according to the Prime Minister.