THE synergy between first team coach Colin Reid and boss Rod Stringer is as clear as a Blue sky, as the pair mastermind Bishop’s Stortford FC’s quest to avoid the Blue Square Bet North relegation zone.
Reid, a 46-year-old UEFA A licence coach, is relishing working with Stortford’s manager for the first time.
Stringer appointed former Stevenage reserve team boss Reid as his right-hand man after the former Braintree Town manager took over from Ian Walker at the Woodside Park helm in December.
Reid and Stringer have been friends for more than 10 years.
Reid said: “I have known him [Stringer] a long time. He has the passion and he wants to win. His record speaks for itself in non-League football.”
Certainly the pair have had a massive impact on the club. Since their arrival Stortford have enjoyed four wins, one draw and two defeats to climb out of the bottom three.
It is difficult to work out who is the ‘good cop and the bad cop’ to coin a TV police show phrase.
Reid is the more voluble from the dugout, particularly if certain players are not following his tactics or formation.
Stringer is passionate and has biting humour.
As the Stortford boss said to an errant Blues player during the recent Workington match. “You will be joining us [on the bench] if you’re not careful.”
Reid said: “We compliment each other. I am the calm one in the dressing room.
“He gives me the freedom to set the side up [the formation] and it’s great to work for him.”
Reid said that Stringer is keen to promote a one-for-all and all-for-one philosophy.
Stringer is hands on and has brought purpose and direction to the club.
He shakes each player’s hand and looks them in the eye when they come onto the pitch before a game.
Reid said: “When we came to the club we said we are in it together. We win, we lose together and we draw together. It’s like a family.
“The club has been fantastic. It’s challenging. We are enjoying it. The players are starting to respond. There is an air of optimism at the club. Players work out quickly whether you know your stuff.”
Reid has had various coaching roles in football.
These include a spell working with the academy team at League One club Charlton Athletic until October.
Prior to that he was the reserve team boss at Stevenage before they were promoted to League One last season.
