From early success at Curzon Ashton and Farsley Celtic to leading King’s Lynn Town into the play-off mix, Adam Lakeland is one of non-league football’s most impressive young managers. I spoke to him about how he reflects on his journey so far and his vision for the future.
You arrived at King’s Lynn Town in September 2023, inheriting a team struggling near the bottom of the table. Less than a year on, you have the club on the verge of a National League North playoff place. How do you reflect on your time at the club so far?
“I am loving my time here, to be honest. I came in October last season when the club was second from bottom in the league. We were in quite a bad place, both on and off the pitch. The first six months were arguably the hardest that I have had as a manager – instilling belief, fitness, and confidence in the group, bringing new players in and letting others go.
“I have done that before, but only with part-time teams. This was a new challenge, but one I love and feel incredibly grateful to be doing every day. We managed to turn it around and survived last season. In the summer, we recruited well, and that is reflected in where we are now competing for the play-offs instead of fighting relegation. I am thoroughly enjoying it and feel we have made a significant impact.”
You are competing against some former Football League clubs in the league this season such as Scunthorpe, Chester and Kidderminster. What is it like being in that mix?
“The league gets tougher every year. Last season, 75 points was the highest ever total to get into the play-offs, and this season it will be even higher. That shows the level of competition.
“There are some big clubs in this division with more resources than us. Then, you have to consider that clubs like Chester, Brackley, Scunthorpe under Andy Butler, and Chorley under Andy Preece – all have continuity. Their managers and squads have been together for some time, and that counts for a lot.
“We have assembled a new squad since the summer, so to be competing with them shows the quality of our work. We have three huge games to secure a play-off place and hopefully give ourselves a chance.”
Your managerial career started early by managing Blackburn Rovers Women at 22. How do you look back on that period and your development?
“You learn from every experience. I have now managed over 400 games in men’s football alone, which for someone who is 40 is a lot. I am proud of that. I have done it the hard way, with no shortcuts, no big name to rely on – simply hard work and consistency.
“Managing Blackburn Rovers Women taught me a lot: how to build a competitive team on a bottom-two budget, how to plan training, deal with players, and find ways to win. That experience helped me when I moved into men’s football at Curzon, then Northwich, then Farsley and back to Curzon before coming here. I’m always looking to improve and pick up lessons along the way.”
So far in your managerial career, you been involved in promotion fights with several clubs. Which achievement stands out most in your career so far?
“I have a real desire to win and be successful. I have been fortunate to work with teams that have been in promotion races or achieved promotion.
“At Curzon, we won back-to-back promotions while I was first-team coach under John Flanagan. I learned a lot from him. Then at Northwich, I took over when Jim Gannon left, and we reached the play-off final despite huge off-field issues. That was a miracle.
“But the standout must be winning the league with Farsley. We beat South Shields – who were full-time and had a big budget – and other strong sides like Warrington. That was a huge achievement. After that, I returned to Curzon, built a good side that reached the FA Cup First Round, and just missed the play-offs – ironically, to King’s Lynn. The following season, they made the play-offs for the first time ever, with that same group.
“So, the title with Farsley is still the highlight – it’s so hard to win any division.”
Finally, Adam, given the success that you have had as a manager so far, what are your longer-term ambitions as a manager?
“I want to keep progressing and get better. I am not an ex-pro and not a household name, but honestly, a lot of big name former players have been given opportunities to manage in non-league and have not achieved half of what I have done in the game. I say that without arrogance but with belief as I know I am good at what I do.
“I am honest, humble, hard-working, and incredibly driven. I want to manage in the Football League one day. I believe the higher you go, the better the resources and the better the players, which helps you implement your ideas even more.
“I am also incredibly grateful to Stephen Cleeve, the chairman here, for giving me the opportunity to manage full-time. It was not an appointment many expected, but he put his faith in me. I am pleased that we have repaid that by staying up last year and building a much more competitive side this year.”
“I want to bring success to King’s Lynn, for him and for the supporters. If we reach the play-offs, we will give it our best. If not, we will be even stronger next season.
“Personally, I will just keep working hard and trying to climb the pyramid. Hopefully one day that leads to a chance in the Football League.”
Callum McFadden 