Non-League Legend: Marvin Samuel (Part 3)
In parts one and two of our look back at Marvin Samuel’s career, we saw how we was a key figure at Harlow Town and Boreham Wood, reaching the semi finals of the FA Trophy and earning promotion with the latter.
Today, Marvin makes his first foray into management, starting at Harlow Town, where he now had legendary status.
2009-10
Marvin took over as Harlow Town boss at the start of December 2009, replacing Anthony Anstead. At the time, Harlow were bottom of the Ryman League Division 1 North, having won just one game in 16 attempts.
Upon taking over, Samuel said “It’s a great opportunity for me as a young manager and I would not have taken it on it on if I did not think I could not do it.”
He added: “It’s a massive challenge for everybody not just me but for the support staff. The players have to step up to the plate too. People have written us off.”
“There is a lot riding on this. I do not want to ruin what I did as a player here.”
However, his first game in charge ended in a 4-2 defeat to Northwood, and only a week later a Robert Carter double helped Forest to a 2-0 win over The Hawks.
Speaking after the Waltham Forest defeat, which extended Hawks’ winless league run to 11 matches, he said: “I understand it’s very disappointing for the town and the supporters but this was only my second game in charge.
“I have got to see what we are playing with. I understand their frustration. I feel it just as much as anybody who lives in Harlow. I am still confident.”
He continued: “I understand the morale is low but the players have got themselves into this situation.”
Samuel brought in former Leyton Pennant striker Wayne Grant – who was immediately made club captain – as well as midfielder Jose Espinoza and Wingate & Finchley keeper Callum Horton signed, as well as a number of others.
It took until the fourth game in his tenure to record a victory – a 2-0 league win over Romford, with Wayne Grant and Jason Grima getting on the score-sheet.
But things were even worse off the field than on it for Harlow. The club was embroiled in an ownership battle between former husband and wife Jeff and Carol Bothwell. Town were thought to be £200,000 in debt, and were deducted 10 points for agreeing a CVA to pay off their creditors.
Despite being new to the management game, Samuel was quick to throw his weight around. Winger Emmanuel Osei was released for being a “bad influence”.
“Emmanuel had a bad attitude and was a bad influence on some of the younger players. Samuel said.
“I noticed he was forming a clique with Reece Dobson, Liam Thomas and Damien Green. His attitude in training was not what we were looking for.”
At this point Mervyn Abraham was also brought in as assistant manager.
In February 2010, a new board took over the running of the club. Platinum Sports Management – spearheaded by former Hawks boss Tommy Cunningham – took over the club’s debts, but were quick to give Samuel the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’: “If he can do the job – great. He is inexperienced but everyone has to learn somewhere. I gave [former Hawks boss] Ryan Kirby has first opportunity as a manager. Marvin deserves his chance.”
On the 25th of February Cunningham backed his boss again, saying “There is no truth whatsoever in that rumour. There is no time span on it. He is one of my ex-players and I want to give him a chance.”
However, by the 4th of March Samuel was given the boot, with Tommy Cunningham taking over, quickly followed by former Leyton Pennant defender Kevin Warren.
2010-11
Samuel started the 2010-11 season with Grays Athletic, and would make 31 appearances for the Blues that season, scoring twice times.
All the while, he was involved in a legal battle with his former employers Harlow. Samuel was sacked without any compensation, despite having signed an 18-month contract with the Hawks. Speaking to the Harlow Star, he said:
“I left Harlow under a cloud and I have started court proceedings against the club due to my contract. I had an 18 month contract that was agreed by Carol and I was assured she had had a meeting with Tommy and that would be honoured.
“Tommy was there five weeks and decided to get rid of me. I haven’t got a problem with that, that’s football. But my money hasn’t been paid up and I’m not going to walk away from that.”
Samuel added: “I took legal advice and was advised to start court proceedings. They have received a final letter that runs out this Monday. So as of Monday I will be taking them to court. I hope it doesn’t go to court, but I can’t see any other outcome.
“It’s not a great deal of money and won’t put the club in an uncomfortable position. But if you do a job you expect to get paid for it and that’s the bottom line.”
He left the Grays at the end of March, joining Waltham Forest as player-coach for his first spell with the club. He made a winning debut on the 30th of March, as Forest beat Redbridge 2-1. He made eight appearances for Forest at the tail-end of the season, and scored Forest’s fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Ware.
Come back tomorrow, as Marvin returns to management, with Spartan League side Hertford Town.
