Jewson/Hellenic Manager Miller looking for Oldland to match last season’s consistency

KRIS Miller insists he’s prepared to ride the ups and downs at Oldland Abbotonians for now as he strives to recapture last season's consistent form.

- Simon PARKINSON

The South Gloucestershire outfit completed their 2024-25 programme 10th in the Western League Premier Division standings, their highest-ever final placement some 115 years on from their formation.

Soon after Craig Laird’s departure to Bridgwater United, Oldland entrusted fullback Miller and his close friend and former FC Bristol teammate Aaron Cornwall, both already on board at the club, with the Castle Road managerial reins in late November.

The impact was immediate and impressive, with that record last campaign giving them and Oldland plenty to encourage and contemplate heading into the new season.

By 35-year-old player-boss Miller’s admission, it’s not been plain sailing so far as they prepare for tomorrow's home encounter with early strugglers St Austell, reflecting on one league win and four defeats, not to mention recent respective back-to-back FA Cup and FA Vase exits at the hands of Aylesbury Vale Dynamos (2-1 away) and Cirencester Town (5-0 home).

Asked of his hopes and expectations for this season and beyond, Miller stressed: “I took over as manager midway through last season when we were 15th in the table. We finished 10th, and the immediate aim is to build on that.

“We'd be foolish to think too far ahead as there are lots of strong and competitive teams in our league and so much can change throughout a season on the player front.

“As a club we want to build a strong squad and infrastructure and maintain the family feel we have here. We have a lot of good people working hard to push us on.”

Miller, of seasoned semiprofessional stature as a player with Taunton Town, Paulton Rovers and Frome Town among others, emphasised: “We've played some good stuff at times this season.

“We had a few new faces come in over the summer, although there was no radical squad change.

“It’s meant there's still a lot to do in terms of getting everyone in the right positions and playing the way we want to play.