Dan Alzapiedi, first-team coach at Aveley – Credit: @LambPix1
Dan Alzapiedi was part of the Aveley backroom staff that earned promotion to the Vanarama National League South. The Millers have now secured back-to-back promotions under the leadership of Danny Scopes and a bright future lies ahead at Parkside. Aveley also picked up the Velocity Trophy – adding another jewel in the crown of a magnificent campaign.
A 1-0 play-off final win over Hornchurch sealed promotion, ensuring they will be playing against some of former Football League sides next season. I spoke to Alzapiedi about his thoughts on the season, working alongside his father and more.
Aveley secured promotion to the Vanarama National League South following a 1-0 play-off final win over Hornchurch. How would you summarise the 2022/23 campaign?
‘A fairytale! We began the season expecting a hard ride, which it was at times, however, coming off the end of a League Cup win and an unexpected yet completely deserved promotion, we’re extremely proud of the journey and where it has taken us.’
You arrived at Parkside at the beginning of the season as first-team coach. What were your expectations heading into the season and how do they differ to the end result of promotion?
‘I believe what took us all the way was by keeping the same expectation from the first game, all the way until the last. At the start of the season, we had a target which we wanted to achieve by the end of the season (15 wins), and approached it by tackling one game at a time. Because the players and staff were on the same page, we found ourselves in the play-off position for large periods of the season.’
Alzapiedi continues: ‘Of course, once our initial target had been reached, we set our sights on the play off places, and continued to just focus on the next game. We kept that mindset all the way into the final games!’
What do you think was the key factor in getting the Millers into the sixth tier?
‘For sure, a number of factors won us promotion. Of course, the attitude, the work ethic and the belief of the players is what carried us over the line for so many games this year. In addition, I believe the players had built a good connection with each other. Spirits were already high from the success of the 21/22 season, and the players were hungry to compete again in a new league.
Alzapiedi goes on to credit Danny Scopes, as well as first team analyst Scott Wagstaff: ‘I do feel a lot of the credit goes Danny and Scott. Their player management has been excellent this year and I believe that much of the unity comes from their strong leadership and commitment to the cause. Also, when I joined in July, I was very impressed with how organised they worked. They had a strong game model which they were able to articulate clearly to the players and because of it, the players were keen to apply themselves for the manager and each other.’
You also previously worked with your father, Glen, at Brentwood Town as well as Aveley. How have your found working with him in previous seasons?
‘I would say that I’ve been blessed to have had an experienced mentor for a father. I know that much of my progress has been accelerated because I have had him to watch, learn off and to talk to. Before we began at Brentwood, I had thought that I was a strong coach, yet once I saw how he coached, I realised there was still so much that I had to do to develop. During the Brentwood season, he was eager to hand the reins over to me as their coach, but not before exposing me to coaching more match related practices, which had helped me build confidence in developing a structure within the teams playing style. Together we worked hard in coaching the side to have a more aggressive playing style, which took us to the Isthmian North Division play-off final. Just by working with him, I felt like I had gained a few years of experience in just one!’
Alzapiedi also notes that networking in non-league football is integral to being successful: ‘He also taught me about the importance of networking. When I first decided I wanted to take up coaching, he had been a great help at introducing me to others, most notably Ian Hart who was at Southend United, and Danny Scopes who was able to then pass me over to Chris Search at Concord Rangers U18’s. Once Glen was invited to Brentwood and Aveley alike, he asked that I join him as the coach with the intention of getting my foot in the door and building connections in the non-league environment. This is something which I am grateful for.‘
You also spent time at fellow Essex side Concord Rangers where you managed the U23’s and U18’s. What was your time like with the Beach Boys?
‘I enjoyed my time at Concord. I joined Chris Search with the U18’s and will say I had the pleasure of coaching some really talented players, as well as, some really polite and hardworking young men. From then Chris was kind enough to invite me in with the first-team and offer me the U23’s role. I enjoyed learning off Craig Shipman and Danny Green, both were really welcoming and I wish them the best at Brentwood Town.’
‘The U23’s was a different challenge, I think that the club opened the team at an awkward time during a managerial change, and had left it a bit last minute, meaning I had to a lot of chasing to do a week before the season started. Regardless, it gave me a taste of management, which I enjoyed, however it was cut short by the Brentwood invitation.’
Next season with the Millers, you will be coming up against former Football League teams like Torquay United and Yeovil Town. What are you most looking forward to in the National League South next season?
‘I can’t say I’m excited for the travelling, but I am excited to get in the ring with a few of the giants and find out how good we really are! I understand that there will be some highs and there will be some lows, but we as a club, need to make sure that we approach every game with our heads held high and keep the unity and belief that took us in to this league. If we do this, then we will have another enjoyable season.’
What are your goals for next season with Aveley?
‘When we began the season in July, our target was to get 15 wins (45 points). We predicted that this will keep us out of the relegation zone and stay up in the league. Going into the National League South, I can imagine that our mindset will be very similar in what we want to achieve. I’m sure if we have another season like the one just gone, we will embrace it and fight for success, but for now, our priority will be to remain in this league by getting those wins.’
‘Although it can’t be without saying – how far?’
