Danny Scopes with his Isthmian Premier Division medal – Credit: @LambPix1
Aveley’s rise to the Vanarama National League South has been a rapid one, mainly down to the expertise of manager Danny Scopes. He arrived at Parkside in November 2021 with the Millers sitting in fourth place in the Isthmian North Division.
In the space of two seasons, Scopes guided them to consecutive promotions – concluding with promotion to the sixth tier for the first time in the club’s history. It was a memorable season for all involved at Aveley and Scopes states it was a deserved promotion.
‘Last season was a very special season for the football club and a reward for all of the hard work from all involved. It was the first season in the seventh tier after ten in the eighth.’
He goes onto say: ‘Personally, I am guilty of not maybe enjoying the success as much as I should do, but of course I am really proud of what we did last season as it was a big team effort.’
The Millers secured promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division via the play-offs with a 1-0 victory in the final over Hornchurch. The former Concord Rangers manager feels like there were a number of reasons for his side getting over the line.
‘I would say continuity of the group, the organisation and understanding we all had of each other and in how we wanted to set-up and play. We did this with a real focus on being tough to play and score against. If had to pick one it would be the humble nature of the players and their commitment to each other and the team, it is an amazing group of people.’
Coming up from the Isthmian North Division, Aveley were certainly not expected to be competing in the higher echelons of the table. They were in contention for the title, however, Bishop’s Stortford ran out as champions. Before the season began, Scopes felt like his side could be a threat at the level.
‘I felt we would compete at the level because we had a few players that had previously played that level and had plenty of hunger to make the step up. I think we won the first two games and it lifted the belief, we never really looked back after that.’
Aveley will be occupants of the National League South this season, containing a few former Football League outfits. Recruitment will be key to determine whether the Millers will have another successful campaign. Former Southend United duo Matt Rush and Tommy Davis arrived at Parkside, George Sykes and Ryan Scott departed and many more have come and gone.
Scopes summarises his thoughts on their summer transfer activity so far.
‘The summer is a tough period as managers always say. It can also become a little more challenging after a double promotion of course.’
He continues to say what type of players he was looking to bring in.
‘You have to make decisions on players you feel will add value to the current squad, in ability and character, but you will have to lose people along the way. That is never nice and we wish them all the best at their next clubs. We needed to add some experience, but also the main thing was a big focus on adding young and hungry players.’
The Millers have had a number of pre-season games in preparation for the forthcoming campaign. Starting with a 3-0 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge, the Millers ran out as 3-1 winners over Billericay Town before a loss to Brentwood Town.
Scopes admits that he doesn’t particularly like the pre-season period.
‘Pre-season has never been my favourite time, as player and now as a manager. It is a process we have to go through as a group and we are getting it done. We are principle-based in terms of what we do, so it is a good time to cover that, for existing and new players.
He outlines his main objective as well before they kick-off their season away at Chippenham Town.
‘The main thing we wish for is an injury free pre-season, so we can have a full squad to choose from the opening day on 5th August.’
Following promotion, Scopes’ side will be making long trips to clubs such as Truro City, Torquay United and Weston-super-Mare. Despite this, he is looking forward to the experience.
‘I am really excited about the away days! We get to visit some wonderful ex-Football League grounds and we will be going to some real non-league grounds also.’
‘The travel can take its toll and you will need to make sure you travel in comfort and prepare as best you can for games as well as with recovery. There are a fair few teams in the seventh tier that would swap places with us I am sure but I am excited by the challenges of playing at this level.’
To conclude, Scopes admits that he doesn’t really have any secrets for success for the 2023/24 season.
‘I don’t think we have many secrets to share, we will have a game plan and a focus for each game. We will approach every game like a cup final and empty the tank, that is all we ask.’
