Kenny's story continued (From Barry And District News)

Kenny's story continued

LAST WEEK we described the illustrious career of Barry Town manager Kenny Brown, his days at Norwich, West Ham and Millwall and the highs and lows of a life in soccer.

Kenny had a loan spell in Ireland with Portadown before training back with West Ham, although not on a contract.

In his early thirties Kenny was considering his options, but was not too hopeful of anything concrete when he received a phone call from former Barry boss Peter Nicholas.

Kenny Brown, an Essex lad with a young family (his wife Justine, daughter Morgan, now 6, and son Harvey, now 4, always tried to keep his roots near the London area.

The sudden transition to Wales was something new, although Ken had spent a few months in Ireland on loan.

Peter Nicholas offered a two year contract and the chance to play European football.

Thousands of journeyman soccer players in the Football League never get to play in Europe and Kenny was very attracted to the offer.

A visit to the impressive Jenner Park stadium and its facilities was all Kenny needed to put pen to paper. He was made deputy to Nicholas and things were looking good.

The sudden departure of Peter Nicholas when he went to help Colin Addison revive the fortunes of Swansea City, shocked Barry Town.

Most of all Chief Executive Kevin Green, who, invited by Nicholas to help Barry Town internally, was stunned to find himself left to run a club which he knew little about.

The opportunity was right for Kenny Brown, nearing the end of his career. He wanted to get into coaching and management.

He was soon appointed the new player manager of Barry Town.

Thrown in at the deep end Kenny has done a remarkable job with consecutive championship and cup doubles.

What of the future for Kenny?

Will he move on to a higher level and seek to further his career? "I'm still learning this side of things", said Kenny.

"Coaching and management need experience and I am certainly getting that.

I've learned about players problems, financial matters and about kit management and all the seemingly minor things that make up running a professional football club.

"I'm certainly ambitious in my aim to further my career but right now I want to see Barry not just maintain their level of soccer but to get stronger.

"My family are well settled in the area, my wife has made many friends and the kids love school. My kids are getting local accents so every now and then I run them up to London to get re-educated", joked Kenny.

"I don't intend playing many games next season but will bring in a new assistant.

Andrew York will be in charge of the Academy and still wants to play football, and we are happy for Yorkie to do that."

We asked Kenny about the introduction of John Fashanu as Barry Chairman and his relationship with the celebrity.

"John and I get on extremely well and all team matters are left to me.

We obviously speak on a regular basis and I respect his experience and knowledge; we are developing a good working relationship."

We asked Kenny finally what he is looking for with Barry soon facing another arduous season, but a challenging and exciting one as well.

"Kevin Green's move to bring in John Fashanu has given us some exciting moves and expectations are high", he said.

"I would like to see us getting a proper training ground as a major priority. Training has been a problem for us and finding a permanent venue would solve this difficulty."

Kenny went on to tell the News about the things that he hoped would make Barry a tighter ship.

"I have been extremely disappointed with the size of the crowds but I must say our regular supporters have been fantastic.

To overcome many of the ongoing debts of the club is vital and I want to see the football improve to an even greater level."

Kenny Brown has had a testing couple of seasons which have given him a platform to work from. He has a charisma which allows him to stay calm and in control.

Many other managers would have buckled under the pressure. Kenny has been player, coach, manager and a virtual counsellor and friend to his 20-strong squad.

Coupling that with being a husband and father, Kenny has done remarkably well.

Always ready to talk to the media in his friendly and affable manner, Kenny has been a credit to Barry Town AFC.

Barry's debt problems over the last few years are still in operation though things are under control and Kenny is keen to see the financial side of things on an even keel.

The result this year is that players have been offered new contracts on reduced terms. In line with many football league clubs high wages are not readily available.

Considering the options of new contracts are Tom Ramasut, Lee Phillips, Gary Lloyd and Jon French.

Kenny will be keen to see these players re-sign, but in the event of them going elsewhere new players will be signed of a similar or higher quality.