New Linnets head coach is a man on a mission

New King’s Lynn Town head coach James Rowe is a man on a mission – and has promised fans one hell of a ride following his appointment tonight.After more than two years out of the game, Rowe can’t wait to get to work following highly successful managerial spells at Gloucester City, Chesterfield, and AFC Fylde.He also served as assistant manager at Aldershot Town, helping guide the club to consecutive National League play-off finishes in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.Delivering his first message to the fans, Rowe said: “There’s been a lot of turmoil and there’s been a lot of inconsistencies, I would say, reading the history over the last few years.”It’s about being consistent and delivering what we’re promising on and off the field and I’m very confident we can do that.”The main message to the fans is, give us a chance. The ones that are not here anymore, come and have a look.”Come and see what you think, and be open-minded to the changes. Strap yourselves in because it’s going to be one hell of a ride here now.” When approached about what fans can expect from his side, his answer was simple: “Passion, attacking and on the front foot. “Worried more about ourselves than the opposition. And I don’t like to lose—so hopefully, we’ll win more than we lose.”The Suffolk-based coach has spent the past seven months immersed in National League and League Two football – both from the commentary box and the stands – and he believes he’s well-prepared to take the reins.“I’ve been watching a lot of games,” he said. “It’s helped me look at players and stuff, so I’m ready coming back in and I’m delighted obviously.”Lynn will continue to operate on a full-time basis next season and Rowe said there were several factors that attracted him to The Walks. “The training ground it’s less than an hour from me, so that’s one,” he said.”That’s another positive with recruitment that Cambridge or Ely is a halfway house for a lot of players in the Midlands, etc. “We’ve got the area here in East Anglia, but also we’ve got the Midlands area where we can recruit quite easily, so I think that’s very important.”I have an affinity with the club, always an opponent, but obviously that changes from today.“Now I’m wearing the badge, I feel proud and it’s about pulling together now and going in one direction.”One of the most consistent themes during his first appearance in front of the media was the community. “The club has to be the bedrock of the community,” he insisted.“We’ve got to inspire people. If you don’t inspire people, you’re never going to be on the same journey.”That alignment with King’s Lynn’s new ownership model was crucial in his decision to join.“There’s a clear directive from above—developing young players and pushing for promotion. That’s the project,” he added. After a prolific playing career as a striker, Rowe began his coaching journey at Birmingham City, earning his UEFA A Licence by the age of 28.He went on to join West Ham United in 2014 as assistant academy manager, where he played a role in developing future Premier League players, including Declan Rice and Ben Johnson. He also continues to mentor current EFL midfielder Conor Coventry.He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Science from Nottingham Trent University, a Master’s in Sports Directorship, and a Master’s in Coaching from the prestigious Johan Cruyff Institute, which has shaped his footballing philosophy over the past decade.Lynn’s new coach thrives working closely with the players on the training pitch. “All-encompassing, I think that probably sums me up as a coach or manager,” he said.”I like to be hands-on. I’ll have coaches with me, but I like to do the work myself. I like to get into the details on and off the pitch.”So whether that’s analysis one-on-one or as a team, whether that’s teamwork, shape work on the pitch or functional practice, whatever it is, I enjoy that.”That’s a real part of why I’m a manager, because I’m intrinsically motivated to do the job. I love the game and that’s probably been the biggest miss over the last two years.” A statement from the Linnets tonight, read: “Following an extensive search for the ideal candidate to lead and modernise our technical department, it became clear from the outset that James’ proven ability to build winning sides that play fast, attacking football – while nurturing young talent – made him the standout choice for the role.”James will take immediate charge of all first-team matters, including summer recruitment and pre-season preparation, and will work closely with club leadership to build a competitive, high-performance squad that reflects ambition and accountability.”We are excited to welcome James to The Walks and look forward to the journey ahead under his leadership.”Rowe’s first job will be to speak to the remainder of last season’s non-contracted players.”I think they’ve waited long enough,” he admitted. “I think what’s gone on this week, in particular, and the delays on certain things, is out of my remit, but today, it is my remit now.”They’ll get the respect they need now and I’ll make sure they’re communicated fully.“We’re slightly behind, but I’ll get stuck in. I know this pyramid. If you don’t know the players at this level, you shouldn’t be managing here.”And with that, the club turns a new page. A club takeover on the horizon, a new head coach, a bold direction, and a renewed connection to community and performance…….strap yourselves in.