LIFE AT SHREWS WAS C'EST CHIC

WHO inspires the inspirations in the ever-changing world of football? Which traits stand the test of time?

- Andy Mitchell

In the third of our new series, we ask some of Non-League’s top bosses to name the gaffers who made the biggest impact on their playing days.

It is a testament to his legacy that Gary Hackett is perhaps as well-known for his 16 years as manager of Stourbridge as he is for his playing career.

Starting out in Non-League, the diminutive Black Country lad was picked up by Shrewsbury Town from Bromsgrove Rovers in 1983 before spells at Aberdeen, West Bromwich Albion, Peterborough United and Chester City.

He moved into management with Redditch United and Bromsgrove before heading back to rebuild Stourbridge after the previous boss Joe Jackson and many players left following two Midland Football Alliance titles that could not yield promotion due to ground grading.

Two promotions would follow in Hackett’s era with the Glassboys going so close to a third but it was the FA Cup exploits that really put the club back on the map, including wins over Plymouth Argyle and Northampton Town, the latter resulting in the club’s first appearance in the third round proper.

And while Hackett’s greatest gaffer comes from his professional days, it is fitting that it is a man who was plucked from Stourbridge as a player.

WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST GAFFER AND WHY?

It is very difficult but one guy I enjoyed playing under was Chic Bates at Shrewsbury. He is a Black Country lad like me and played at Stourbridge, he was player-coach under Graham Turner when I joined.

Being from the same area and having both come through Non-League football, he knew me, looked after me, and was always very positive towards me.