Welcome back to TTTONLF meets, this time we are sitting down with a Non-League Football manager – someone who has dedicated themselves to a club for nearly two decades – levels of commitment that are incredible and that you dont see anywhere nowadays let alone in football.

This is a peek behind the curtain into the manager of Halls AFC, George Michaelas – I hope you enjoy!

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Q) How does it feel being involved with a club like Halls Athletic?

I have been at the club now for 17 years. I started at u7’s through to u17’s then the reserves and 3 years ago became 1st team manager. So it’s in my blood

Q) What makes the club so special in your eyes?

It’s very family oriented and we work really hard on creating a great dressing room with lots of socials and get togethers. When we promotion to the Kent Premier I had 12 players in my squad that came through the youth section at Halls. And I’ve still got 2 players in my 1st team that joined me when they were 6 years old.

Q) How have you found being manager of the club?

Absolutely love it. Everyone at club has utmost respect.

Q) What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

Keeping our better players, some of them get lured away by financial offers .

Q) What is your biggest success to date?

Undoubtedly promotion to the SCEFL. The highest in our 116 year history as a club.

Q) Going into next year you are ground sharing with Dartford FC, how did this come about?

Lots of hard work by my son Chris our vice chairman , it’s always been his dream to take Halls back to our historical home. And the Dartford board have been amazing in helping get this over the line.

Q) How big of a move is this for the club?

It’s a massive move for everyone at the club and also the SCEFL league to have games played at such amazing facilities. It puts our league in the spotlight.

Q) Are the players excited to be playing at Princes Park this season?

Absolutely buzzing.

Q) What does the future hold for the club in your eyes?

We need to improve on our finish last season, which was always going to be difficult, and the ultimate aim is to move up to the next level.

Q) Do you think this club has a ceiling or can you keep climbing?

With the facilities we now have, we definitely think we can go higher.

Q) Are there volunteering opportunities for people to come along and help?

Absolutely, we are a friendly community club and welcome any volunteer help we can get.

Q) Why should someone come down and watch one of your games?

The best facilities in Kent in my opinion, and we are offering Dartford season ticket holders free entry this season to all our home matches.

Q) How much would it mean for people to come down and watch the team?

It means everything to the club and it would mean so much to myself and the team for people to come down and watch us play.

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Thank you to George for speaking to me and for detailing what is quite clearly a club on the rise and making all of the right moves. It is clear to feel the sheer determination in which George and his son Chris carry themselves and it is that kind of energy which leads to the developments in which clubs flourish.

I wish him and the team all the very best for the season and I hope they enjoy playing their games at a lovely venue.

If you are in the area – pop in and give the team a watch – like George said, it would mean everything to him and the club.

Until next time!
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