Ryan Conneely Interview
New First Team Coach, Ryan Conneely, was announced last month as part of Russ Penn’s backroom staff for the 2026/27 season.
Alongside Assistant Manager Paul Holleran and Goalkeeper Coach Lewis Solly, Conneely is eager to get going for the new season.
“It’s a massive club. For anyone around step 3 or non-league in general, they know Halesowen is a sleeping giant. When the gaffer rang me up and outlined the project, and expectations for the season, it was a no brainer to me. Just buzzing to be here.
“The club have come very close in the last couple of years, and without putting it out there, I think everyone knows what the expectations are for this club going forward. I’m delighted to be part of it, even if I only add to 5% of it, it really excites me.
“I enjoyed my time at Quorn last season because of the standards they set. The manager Ryan Beswick let us know what he wanted from the staff and players and I just loved my year there. Quorn are a small club in terms of infrastructure and where they are competing, but managed to punch above their weight for the past two years. He got the best out of me, as well as the players, and I hope to take what I learnt, to better myself even more here.
“Enthusiastic, excited to get on the training pitch, and adore working with new people and improving my own work. That’s how I would describe myself. I’m hardworking and will give my all it whatever project I am part of.
“We have a great bunch of lads here, and as a coach it’s really important to be working with good people. The culture at a club can help you get those extra points needed, and that’s what we had at Quorn. When the going gets tough during the season, if you know the players and management have your back, it can drive you forward to get through it. That’s one thing that has impressed me here.
“I’ve been around this level for about four seasons now, and when you get those fixtures at the start of the season and see Halesowen away. You know what it’s going to be like, and what the fans will be like, the ground and the pitch. The investment being put into the club behind the scenes is really exciting. We just need to make sure now that what’s being done off the pitch can transfer onto the pitch.”
Ryan arrives at the Yeltz, after spells at Hednesford Town, Redditch United & Quorn in the role of First Team Coach.