Kelly: I won’t hold back

CHELTENHAM Town are poised to complete a deal for ex-Athletic forward Amari Morgan-Smith. The 26 year old netted twice for the club in an injury-plagued campaign before being released earlier this month.

New Latics manager Darren Kelly has told players he won’t be afraid to express his displeasure if he feels someone isn’t buying into his new philosophy for the club.

Early observations indicated softly-spoken Kelly could be a little too Mr Nice Guy to bang heads togther. But under the seemingly calm exterior is a man with a steely determination to make a big success of his new role - and someone who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

Kelly said: “People will tell you I am honest and direct, and have always been that way. You have people in management who would blow their lid at people, but does that need to be done? You don’t get much from that. It is someone getting something off their chest.

“For me, if players are misbehaving for whatever reason, they will be told. They will understand the boundaries and will know not to cross them. We are trying to create something and I won’t stand for people spoiling that.”

Fully-qualified coach Kelly is certainly ready for the task ahead. He added: “What I have built up over the last 10 years means I am prepared for everything that will be thrown at me.

“I have very strong people skills, which is important. I am not going to be a ranter and raver. I talk to people how I would like to be spoken to. It is about doing it in a way that they understand but are not offended.”