Andy Landesberg believes the professional backroom team has an important role to play ahead of the Team Maccabi GB’s Open Football squad's pursuit of glory at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel this summer.
April 19, 2017 10:25
Fresh from leading London Lions to the HSCL league and cup double, Landesberg will manage the 20-man squad. He will work closely with assistant-boss Nathan Kosky, who brings a wealth of experience on and off the field, having worked in the professional game with Coventry City.
They will be supported by a high-profile support team, led by coach Kevin Blackwell, the assistant-manager to Neil Warnock at Cardiff City. Blackwell has enjoyed a successful career since retiring from playing, managing at Leeds United, Sheffield United, Luton Town and Bury. His brother, Noel Blackwell, is working alongside him, having worked at Stevenage and is now with Conference side Eastleigh.
The experience of former England and Arsenal physio Gary Lewin will also be key ahead of the 16-day competition. He will be assisted by Sammy Horne, with the focus on performance and fitness. Darren Stern has been appointed as Sports Scientist for the squad, a role which he performs currently for Millwall.
The Management Team have set themselves the lofty ambition to win Team Maccabi GB’s first Gold in the event since 1961. The squad is comprised primarily of players competing in non-league football – a large core currently performing well at London Lions – but some playing significantly higher.
Avi Korman represents the Maccabi GB Southern Football League in a fairly young squad.
A number of boys have played professionally, including those with previous Maccabiah experience such as Josh Kennet, Adam Bolle and captain Mitchel Hahn. They are joined by the likes of Austin Lipman, who played up to under-21 level at Arsenal.
Landesberg said: “Our ambition was to put in place a first class backroom team and I think that group of people supporting me and the squad would be the envy of many a professional side.
“It’s fair to say the players have responded well to this level of professionalism, and it will help us compete to our highest potential.”
The Games will be extra special for Tom Smith and Ben Long who are already playing at a high level of semi-professional football but will have their first taste of Maccabi GB and the Maccabiah Games.
Kosky commented: “There is nothing like being selected to represent your country in the Open Age group in a sport you have competed at all your life.
“For many this is the biggest opportunity they will have on an international stage. The Maccabiah Games means a lot to everyone in the group, and our focus now is to deliver a great tournament for GB.”
SQUAD:
Manager: Andrew Landesberg
Assistant Manager: Nathan Kosky
Adam Bolle
Adam Burchell
Mitchel Hahn
Harry Hatchwell
Charlie Kasler
Josh Kennet
Avi Korman
Max Kyte
Nicholas Landesberg
Adam Lipman
Austin Lipman
Daniel Lipman
Ben Long
Jordan Marks
David Myers
Jordan Nathan
Jake Rinsler
Zachary Rose
Charlie Rubin
Tom Smith