TOTNES & Dartington 1st XI manager Jono Beardsmore “Was actually more of a rugby boy in the early years” and yet he now finds himself at the helm of the South Hams-based side.

He “always grew up around sport & followed football closely from a young age on TV”, choosing Liverpool as his club to spite his two Manchester United-supporting older brothers.

“Three years without a league title or even a cup final” leaves T&D with no standout moment but Beardsmore still spoke of being “super proud of what we have achieved together as a group overall” in his tenure to date.

When it comes to his view on football as a whole, Beardsmore said the following: “I like us to try and do everything with speed & purpose on the pitch, regardless of whether that’s with or without the ball. The game should always be intense & it grinds on me when I see players strolling about, taking four or five touches or not pressing with intent.”

He continued, “My main strengths are probably problem-solving and communication as a manager… Football is problem-solving, how can you get the beating of the player opposite you over 90 minutes? Honesty & regular conversations with players are key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and knows where they stand”, especially when Jono is friends a lot of his squad.

Beardsmore played rugby for Paignton in his younger years and had footballing stints with Dittisham United, Dartmouth AFC and Clifton Downs FC (whilst at university in Bristol).

Going back to his beloved Reds and he cited “[Steven] Gerrard, [Fernando] Torres and [Luis] Suarez” as his favourite trio to play in that half of Merseyside.