After spells at Dorchester Town, Poole Town, and even in the United States, Oakley Hanger finally joins his boyhood club. Growing up watching The Terras, the new full-back will put on a claret and blue shirt once again, on the pitch this time…
I’ve wanted to play for Weymouth ever since I was a young lad.
I would go and watch the Terras at the Bob Lucas Stadium, where I would watch the likes of Stuart Beavon, Steve Tulley and Ian “Hutch” Hutchinson. I’ve wanted to play here ever since – I was actually in the youth set-up when I was around 16-17 – but it just never quite worked out. So, when the opportunity came about this summer I was desperate to jump on board.
Now feels like the perfect time to come here.
I’m 29-years-old, and I can see myself playing here for the rest of my career. I always wanted Weymouth to be part of my journey, so it would be perfect to finish where it all started.
I’m really excited to be working with this group of players.
Normally when you finish a season, you want your time off, but I’m already looking forward to getting back in action. I can’t wait to put on the claret and blue shirt.
My job will be to fit around the rest of the team.
Brandon Goodship likes to play in pockets, which suits me really well. But, it’s not just Goody – the thought of putting balls into Reuben Reid really excites me. He’s a big strong lad, so I imagine he likes to get on the end of things.
I wasn’t quite ready for Weymouth when I was 17-years-old.
At the time they were pushing for promotion regularly. Going to Dorchester, who were going through a period of transition, gave me a chance to develop myself.
The United States was a very different experience for me.
I played full-time there for four years, which meant I had the ball at my feet every day – you do improve practicing this regularly. The players weren’t as technically gifted but they had a massive focus on strength and speed, which I was able to develop before coming back to the UK fitter and stronger.
I hope to be able to guide the younger players.
I always remember players, such as Portland manager Kyle Critchell, guiding me – I try to do what he did for me. Luckily, I already have experience managing young players, having been the under-23s manager at Dorchester. I was specifically brought in for that role so I could be the link between the youth sides and the first team, having come through the ranks and played for them at a senior level. I relished being able to do that, and I always try to help younger players.
For any squad, the key attribute is…
Mentality. This is what ensures that a team will develop, staying strong when you’re on the pitch. You can only have a long career if you’re mentally strong. You can’t always play brilliantly for every minute of every game, so, when you have a setback, you can’t let that define the rest of your game. The other experienced lads at this club will tell you that you don’t play brilliantly, you do what’s required to be done.
The thing that stood out to me about Warren was…
His honesty. Not everyone is honest in non-league football, so this quality is all you can ask for. He, Paul and I have all had some really good conversations – I think this situation will work well for all parties.
I’ve already met some of the players!
I’ve bumped into Matty Burrows, who joined this week from Wimborne Town, and I’ve met up with Tom Bearwish, too. We’ve even started training a bit together!
The non-league circle is quite small – I was buying a house with my partner recently, and who picks up the phone? Calvin Brooks!
A good group gets you an extra 10 points in a season.
At Wimborne, don’t get me wrong, we had good players, but what made us successful was how tightly-knit the group was. People who want to be around the place and spend time with each other really makes the difference.
I’m desperate to win something with this club.
As Paul Maitland said, that should be your goal at the start of any season. Obviously we’re in a tough league, but we’re a massive club with a good squad of players. We’ll be going into this season full of confidence.
Interview by By Jack Webb
