Jono Greening passes 250 game mark as Boro boss – Part 2

Q – After going so close to reaching the play-offs in 2022-23, you brought in a few new signings that summer. You must have been especially delighted with the contributions of new boys Alex Brown and Harry Green?

A – Yes, I was delighted to get Browny and Greeny, both great lads. I loved Browny when he played for Chester against us, and we’d been watching Greeny for a while. They fitted into the squad perfectly.

Q – The stand-out league games that season were the festive double over Darlington (2-0 at home, 1-0 away), and the incredible comeback from 3-0 down to win 4-3 at King’s Lynn with two stoppage-time goals. Some great memories there?

A – Absolutely, it’s always nice to beat Darlo, and that double was special, I’m sure the fans were happy about that. Then the King’s Lynn game, wow, what can I say. It was an incredible game, a day I will never forget! Q – The fantastic FA Cup run that was the highlight of season 2023-24, putting out Farsley Celtic, Darlington and Oxford City to reach Round One, what are your memories of those games?

A – The one that stands out is Oxford City away in the replay, when Lewie scored the late winner for 3-2. The celebrations with the fans were really special. That was a great night, one we’ll always remember. Q – Then came the dramatic three-game epic with Forest Green. After conceding a last-gasp equaliser in the first game, Boro put up a good show in the two replays. Although beaten, you must have been so proud of how we competed with a full-time EFL club?

A – Yes, a great experience for me, my staff and the players. I thought we represented our club and the town brilliantly. I was so proud of everyone involved. Q – Five successive league wins after the cup exit lifted Boro to third in the table in January, but results then dipped and we finished comfortably mid-table in a very strong league. Lots of positives from another good season?

A – Yes, that’s football. Being third in January, but then injuries to key players can be devastating, especially when you have a small squad. That’s life sometimes, but we kept battling on, and I was very proud of all my players. Q – Mid-table again in 2024-25, and another fantastic FA Cup run, putting out Dunston, Warrington Rylands and Chester. More than 1800 supporters then travelled to League One Burton Albion for the First Round tie. A great occasion for everyone connected with the club?

A – What a brilliant day out at Burton Albion. To see so many Boro fans packed in the stadium supporting us was unbelievable, and the boys gave there all on the pitch that day. To finish mid-table and get to the First Round of the FA Cup again is credit to all the players, and I’m always so proud of them. Q – You’ve brought in lots of loan players during your time at the club, some like Finlay Barnes, Aidan Rutledge and Mackenzie Maltby especially impressed. Do you continue to monitor these players when they leave the club?

A – Yes we use the loan market, usually when we have a few injuries to our small squad. I think most of those we brought in were great for us, and I always keep in touch with them, and look out for how they are doing. Q – The pitch problems at the Scarborough Sports Village was a massive blow. Was it difficult for you to convince players to remain at the club, while home game are being played in Bridlington?

A – Yes, a very difficult situation for everyone at the club. I think the chairman and the board deserve credit for how they handled everything. The players have also been brilliant, they stayed with us, rolled up their sleeves and just got on with it. It will be fantastic to get back home though….. Q – Has playing in Bridlington, with the significant drop in crowds and match day revenue, had any other impact on you or the players ?

A – I nipped that in the bud early doors, explaining to the players that we can’t use the pitch situation as an excuse. It has been challenging bringing in new players, but we’ve done the best we can with the situation we were dealt. Q – It must be testament to your management skills, that no fewer than 10 of the current squad have made more than 100 competitive appearances for the club. Are loyalty and team spirit things you try to instil in your players?

A – Yes, it’s a great feeling having so many committed players. I believe if you treat players with respect and trust and care for them, they will play better. Listen, they still have to perform on the pitch, but we have a fantastic team spirit and we all enjoy the challenge (players and coaches), long may that continue. Q – During your time as manager, have you ever been approached by another club, as there were rumours linking you to a managerial vacancy at York City a while ago, and do you have ambitions to eventually manage at a higher level with a full-time club?

A – I have three or four times, but York City was not one of them. I love it here, I love the Chairman, Fred, Ree, Jack and all the directors. They give me so much support and leave me to concentrate on football. Then the other aspect is the amazing fans and volunteers, who make the club so special. To top everything off, I have great staff and a brilliant set of players. It would be very hard for me to leave. Q – Reaching 250 competitive games as manager is a rare achievement these days, does it make it even more special that you’ve done it with your home town club?

A – Yes massively. I really appreciate everything that has happened since I joined the club five years ago. I am so happy here, and I don’t want it to end. Q – Are you aware of the legacy of former Scarborough FC manager Colin Appleton, also Scarborough born, who brought so much success to the club back in the 1970s after a successful top level playing career?

A – Yes of course I am. He was a gentleman too. If I could be held in the same high regard as him when I finally finish, I’ll be one happy guy. Q – You seem to enjoy mixing and mingling with supporters, signing autographs and posing for photos. Is connection with the fans something you feel is an important part of a football club?

A – Yes, very important. What make a club special is the interaction with the fans, and I love seeing my players hugging, signing autographs and having pics with supporters. It helps bring everyone together, because at the end of the day, it’s these memories that we will cherish later down the line. Q – How excited are you at the prospect of the club getting back to Scarborough next season?

A – We are all really looking forward to getting back home next season. Seeing the stadium and town bouncing again will be a great feeling. Q – Realistically, what are your hopes for the immediate future of Scarborough Athletic FC?

A – My hopes are always promotion to the National League. You have to set high standards, and that is my main focus, but we also want to keep doing well in cup competitions, and give the fans great days and nights out. We also need to keep building slowly off the pitch to help with finances to increase the playing budget. This is a really great club, and I am so proud to be the manager…..