NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: 'Role model' Micky Hyem will continue as St Neots Town skipper after agreeing to extend his stay at the club
Published: 6:00 AM May 17, 2017
Skipper Micky Hyem in action for St Neots against Basingstoke last season. - Credit: Archant
Captain Micky Hyem is convinced Matt Clements can conjure a recipe for success at St Neots Town.
Hyem had no hesitation in agreeing a deal to remain at the Southern League Premier Division club for next season after helping them survive last term.
The midfield ace is excited to continue working with Clements, under whom he also played at Godmanchester Rovers in the past.
Hyem said: "It was an easy decision to stay as I can see what Matt is trying to do at the club. He created a positive vibe around the place and staying up was a massive achievement.
"He has got rid of people who weren't good enough and has brought in two coaches who will make us a better team.
"We have to be realistic about next season. We would love to be pushing for the play-offs, but that is a big ask.
"The most important thing is making sure we're safe by getting to 45 points as soon as possible.
"A lot of people were telling me to leave during last season as you don't want to have a relegation to your name, but that's what kept me at St Neots in all honesty. I stayed there to prove those people wrong.
"At no point did I ever think we would go down."
Hyem was handed the Saints' captaincy soon after the arrival of manager Clements at the turn of the year.
He will again wear the armband in the 2017/18 campaign and Clements expects him to set a fine example to the club's other players.
Clements said: "Micky is exactly the role model and type of player we need at the club. He is honest, hard-working, selfless and has proven ability at this level. He leads by example both on and off the pitch.
"Micky is someone who likes to enjoy his football, but he is also a tough competitor with a winning mentality and a desire to be success.
"Regardless of any signings we make during the summer, Micky will be our captain again next season."
Only one team will be relegated from the Southern League Premier Division next season due to a re-organisation of the non-league system. It will include six new teams next season with Gosport and Bishop's Stortford having been relegated from the National League South, while Royston, Hereford, Farnborough and Tiverton have been promoted to this level.