‘I’m in my element!’: Mitch Austin unveils his biggest learning since Harborough Town’s promotion
Harborough Town boss Mitch Austin certainly isn’t feeling imposter syndrome in the National League North.
Following three promotions in a historic rise up the non-league football pyramid, Austin is overseeing the Bees at Step 2 level for the very first time this season.
So far, Harborough have shown no signs of slowing down, maintaining an impressive home record and claiming several wins in their opening matches.
Most importantly, the Bees have been competitive in their fixtures – and one of their defeats, away at the recently-relegated Brackley Town, really should have been a victory.
As the weeks go on, Austin is learning more and more about his players, with their strengths and weaknesses exposed at what is - for most of them at least - their highest level yet.
But the main thing Austin has noticed is not directly about his players, but rather just how friendly and inviting opponents have been.
When asked by the Harborough Mail what his biggest learning is so far, Austin responded: “That everyone is top class!
“Every club that I’ve been to as a manager so far has been very welcoming. The level of people has definitely risen at this level, there are some top, top people.
“For me, I’m in my element. I’ll be honest, I’m a 38-year-old manager that’s just got to the National League North with a team he’s taken all the way.”
One aspect Austin is really enjoying is the size of clubs Harborough are coming up against now, and there’s a genuine belief that his team can beat most when at their best.
After the 1-0 defeat at Brackley, for example, Austin was vocal about his confidence that Harborough can win those types of games more often than not, as they dominated for the most part.
And that was against a side that was in the National League last season. It should have been one of the biggest challenges of the whole season, but the Bees, despite defeat, were the better side.
Great belief can be taken from that performance as Harborough attempt to correct their away form and maintain their standing in the top half of the league table.