Brackley Town boss Gareth Dean names 'huge potential' player after ‘benchmark’ South Shields victory
Manager Gareth Dean believes Brackley Town showed title-winning credentials in Tuesday night’s pivotal 3-2 win over promotion hopefuls South Shields.
The Saints lifted themselves out of the National League North relegation zone thanks to Tahvon Campbell’s early strike and Josh Tomlinson’s impressive double.
Dean’s side had to battle for the three points as South Shields struck back from two goals down to make it 2-2, before Tomlinson’s 70th-minute goal restored the Saints’ advantage.
“South Shields are a really good team and for me, they are a benchmark. Whoever goes toe-to-toe with them will be in and around the title this year,” Dean told @BrackleyTownFC.
“We want those tests. The boys have shown the other side to their game: their discipline, organisation and structure were brilliant.
“We had a clear game strategy and the boys showed their footballing IQ, athleticism, determination and grit.”
Brace scorer Tomlinson, who signed in from Northampton Town in the summer, has been one of Brackley’s standout players so far this season.
Former captain and now manager Dean was a formidable centre-half himself, so he’s got a vision for Tomlinson and reckons the 20-year-old can go far.
“JT is a real threat and he’s a big, powerful boy,” Dean said.
“There’s a bit of a mismatch there in terms of when the ball is in their area. It’s something we want to exploit, to be a bit physical in those moments.
“I think he’s enjoying it. He’s coming back stronger and I see a lot of potential. There’s loads of scope to work with and get our teeth into.
“We want to help him continue to develop as a player and as a person.”
Under former boss Andy Whing, Brackley won just two of their opening eight matches. But now, on the back of this result and a 1-1 draw with Scarborough Athletic, it’s all looking up.
“There’s that togetherness as well; we were umming and ahhing about making substitutes,” Dean continued.
“Sometimes you have to leave some boys out there to suffer and see what they are capable of doing.
“I’m really proud of them. It’s a great result and we move on to the next.”
Brackley turn their attention to another competition this Saturday, October 3, as they host Chelmsford City in the FA Cup third qualifying round.