New Dulwich Hamlet boss Bradley Quinton aiming to inject positivity into playing squad
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk Bradley Quinton is hoping his contrasting management style to Hakan Hayrettin will turn Dulwich Hamlet’s season around and take them away from Isthmian League Premier Division drop danger.
Quinton, 46, was appointed as Harettin’s successor last week on a deal until the end of the season.
He has had success with Enfield Town and Braintree Town. He guided both to the play-offs, winning the National League South decider with Braintree in 2018.
Ex-Maidstone boss Hayrettin, who was originally brought in to save the South London club from the National League South drop in March 2023, was very critical of the squad and in particular goalkeeper Dillon Barnes in his final game in charge – a 4-3 home loss against Bognor Regis Town.
The Champion Hill-based side are just two points above the drop zone and have played more games than three of the five teams below them in the table.
When asked about the confidence within the squad, Quinton told the South London Press: “Listening to some of the things which have been said about the players, it was not right.
“The first thing we needed to do was to talk to them individually, which we have done. We want to get their head up in training and I think the fans saw them be positive in the first game against Billericay.
“The boys have really opened up and communicated well. My staff and myself have been going to games home and away [in the build-up to taking the job].
“You’re able to get access around close areas so you can see and hear. Speaking to the players, things they were being asked to do were not right or how they were being spoken to didn’t really give them any confidence. That’s what we highlighted.
“We try to encourage them to be open and talk to us. We want them to listen to the good things and learn even more from the bad things.”
Hamlet have lost their two opening games under Quinton, who inherited a side who had only won once in their previous 11 outings in all competitions.
“This level is something we’ve done before,” said Quinton.
“I came through at Enfield Town as player-coach after being on loan from Braintree. Enfield is another prestigious fan-owned club, and the support at that club was a good stepping stone for me.
“We constantly improved players and moved them into full-time football. It escalated from there.
“I enjoy coaching. We have had good times – keeping Hemel Hempstead up. The same at Welling as well, when Mark Goldberg was in charge. It’s pretty much the same conditions as where Dulwich are at the minute.
“But they should never be anywhere near this with the foundations at the club. We have to focus on getting the first three
points on the board.
“With the squad we have got, and with the capability to strengthen if we need to, we should be a lot higher.
“The players should be achieving and playing a lot better than they are. Confidence is a big thing in football. We’re going to turn them around and push them in the right direction to get them up the league.
“This club is huge. When you would manage against it, it was always a tough game, but you would want to roll your sleeves up and give 120 per cent against them.
“To manage them and coach the players is an honour and a privilege.”
Quinton and his coaching staff have only penned short-term deals.
He said: “With my experience, we had a good chat and we agreed to just a deal until the end of the season.
“We will see how it goes, but at this minute in time, it’s about getting Dulwich Hamlet back to where they should be.
“They should be in the National League. With the fanbase, it’s League Two or League One.
“The world is its oyster with this club, but it’s going to take time. The good times are needed at Dulwich Hamlet – that’s something I know I can do.”
PICTURES: DULWICH HAMLET FC