BUCKLAND Athletic manager Matt Cusack provided an insightful overview of the club’s ambitious trajectory and early-season progress during a recent interview on the Jewson Western League podcast.

Cusack, who has previously managed teams promoted out of the Western League (Helston Athletic and Plymouth Parkway), confirmed his central mission is to take Buckland out of the division. He noted that Buckland is a "massive club" already operating like a Southern League club off the field, benefiting from strong fan support and "fantastic" facilities.

Cusack clarified that his tenure is built around a three-year project, and immediate success in the first year was not demanded by the club.

However, he sets high, attainable goals, aiming to improve upon last season's fifth-place (playoff) finish. Despite working with a new group of players, Cusack feels the team is on the "right trajectory".

The team’s home form has been "very good", describing Homers Heath as "a bit of a fortress". However, the side has been hampered by midweek inconsistency, including a disappointing home loss to Sidmouth Town. Cusack admitted they are still searching for a full "90-minute performance".

Buckland recently secured a significant 5-1 win over Ilfracombe Town to progress in the FA Vase, a competition Cusack said has been a "poisoned chalice" for him in the past, making this year's advancement an improvement.

Looking ahead, Cusack highlighted the tough competition, noting that the league typically "finds you out by the end of October," which he uses as a gauge for title credentials. He pointed to Clevedon Town, who are performing "fantastically well" (winning 11 from 11), Torpoint Athletic, and Sidmouth Town as credible threats.

With one or two key players out due to injury, Cusack suggested "one or two signings now need to come in". Upcoming fixtures, including trips to Bridgewater, St. Blazy, and Clevedon, will rigorously test the team’s ability to find the necessary 90-minute consistency.

The full interview with Matt Cusack can be found on episode 8 of the Jewson Western League Podcast, available through podcast providers and online at https://www.westernleague.co.uk/.