Former Hinckley United and AFC midfielder Sam Belcher is back at the club after joining as Joe Conneely’s assistant manager.
A fans’ favourite during two spells with United, Belcher was dubbed the “non-league Fabregas” during his spell with the Knitters and also played for AFC in 2018/19, seven years after leaving the old club.
Having originally joined on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, the composed midfielder made an immediate impact at the Greene King Stadium and joined for a second spell in 2011 from local rivals Nuneaton Town.
It was during that time he helped United to the first round of the FA Cup, scoring three times across the tie as Hinckley beat Darlington in a replay. He also scored in memorable away wins at Wrexham in the FA Trophy, and Nuneaton on New Year’s Day in 2012.
He also enjoyed FA competitions during his time with AFC, scoring in the Cup away to Anstey Nomads as well as a brace in the Vase against Hereford Lads Club.
Having cut his teeth in management at Nuneaton Griff in the season before last, Belcher has also spent time on the management team at Atherstone Town.
On returning to Hinckley, he said: “When the phone rang, it was an easy decision. I’ve been looking to get back involved at this sort of level, and when I spoke to Joe it was a no brainer to come back to a club that means a lot to me.
“Even when I’ve come over to watch, I still see the same faces as when I first joined. I’ve got great memories at Hinckley and pictures of the FA Cup game still pop up on Facebook from time to time.
“I’ve not worked with Joe before but I’ve come up against him a lot, and he’s beaten me nearly every time! So it will be nice to work with him, and a lot of the lads who I know already, the likes of Joe Obi, Jack Edwards, Lewis Rankin and Harry Walker-Donovan.
“I’ve been on the phone to Joe a lot over the last few days, I’ll meet up with him properly tonight and I can’t wait to get started.”
Conneely added: “Sam’s someone who I know, who we can trust, and who knows plenty of the lads. He’s also someone the fans will love, he has a good reputation here.
“We’re still looking for an extra person, we want three on the staff really, but Sam ticks a lot of boxes. I spoke to him yesterday and he was looking forward to the challenge. He also did well at Griff, so knows how to manage as well.
“He had a good time here as a player and he’s another young person in management terms who’s willing and wants to get better in management.”
Sam will start his time as assistant manager at Monday’s training session, ahead of the trip to Godmanchester Rovers next Saturday, 14th September.
Welcome back, Sam!
