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Former Stamford, Corby Town, Nuneaton Borough and Desborough player Graeme Archer is named as the new manager of Oakham United




A former United Counties League title winner with Stamford who played at Corby Town for more than a decade has been appointed as the new manager of Oakham United.

Graeme Archer - who played for the Daniels during Steve Evans' championship-winning era - has taken over at the helm of the Peterborough League Premier Division club.

Archer - who also played for Nuneaton Borough and Desborough as well as earning Southern League representative honours - has previously managed the Ar Tarn in the United Counties League.

Graeme Archer. Photo: @OakhamUnited (19705170)
Graeme Archer. Photo: @OakhamUnited (19705170)

However, after moving to Rutland, the lure of trying to help Oakham back into the United Counties League attracted him back into the game at the Lands' End Meadow club.

Archer said: "The set-up at the club is fantastic and it gives me a chance to bring players through and give them an opportunity.

"Anybody who likes football knows about football but, to be good at management, you need to man-manager people. That's the skill of it.

"Some players need shouting at while others need to be cuddled and I just want to give people an opportunity to play the game.

"I'm going to have bring in experienced players as well but, the nuts and bolts of it, is that the set-up is there and the club has ambition.

"They want to go up and I live locally. I'm just trying to bring balance by helping players come through along with some experienced heads as well.

"It's just a case of trying to get it all to gel and I'll do the best I can. That's all anybody can do."

Archer watched Oakham for the first time on Saturday when they were beaten 5-2 in a Peterborough League Premier Division derby duel against Stamford Lions.

Oakham United (19705172)
Oakham United (19705172)

He added: "I didn't think it was a 5-2 game and I was pleasantly surprised. I've seen some good things.

"I'm all about continuity in football. I want to try and have the same players every week and then the others have to earn their place.

"Football is 90 per cent perspiration and 10 per cent inspiration. You can have all the ability in the world but, if you don't work, you won't get anywhere.

"Players have to realise it's more to do with commitment and work-rate. If you do that, then you've always got a chance because the ability will come through.

"I've talked to a lot of people already so I'm not going into this blind. I'm being like a chess player by trying to think ahead.

"I've got people that I want to try and get in. It's like the Red Indians when they used to have a horse in the field - they wanted to get 20 more miles out of it so I'm going to try and do that with some players and try and get half a season out of them.

"It's just a case of getting a bit of experience in there and then, if we can get a few wins, the confidence will follow."

Archer's first match as Oakham boss - where he succeeds the joint management team of Stewart Lambie and Michael Nelson - will be the home clash with Peterborough ICA Sports on Saturday.

He has already signed former Blackstones player Reece Darby, but defender Matt Richmond left Oakham ahead of Saturday's clash to join United Counties League Premier Division side Oadby Town.



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