The committee of Glasshoughton Welfare meet tonight to discuss the way forward after Rob Hunter’s shock resignation
The Glasshoughton Welfare committee meet this evening to discuss the way forward in depth for the first time since Rob Hunter’s shock resignation last Saturday.
It is decision time and there are three questions that have to be answered.
One: Who will take charge of this weekend’s trip to Armthorpe? Two: Should we appoint internally or externally and if the answer is the latter then three: How quickly do we arrange interviews to appoint a permanent manager.
For question one, reserve team manager Jon Miles is currently in the driving seat after the 2-0 win over Liversedge on Tuesday. He deserves another shot at managing the first team and with only two days to go until the Armthorpe game, it would be silly to cause further upheaval.
There is also a big case for Miles to be given the role for at least the rest of the season. Miles showed his local knowledge in midweek by bringing five local players in the team and they were ones who made the difference.
Miles plans to bring more local players in the set-up if he is given another chance and this is likely to impress the committee.
The downside to a Miles appointment is his lack of NCEL experience. It is also a big step-up from managing the reserves, who play in Division Two of the West Yorkshire League.
The committee will be mindful of this so they may decide to opt for someone with NCEL experience. Simon Houghton is clearly a good alternative, if he is interested. Alongside his impressive CV, Houghton also knows the club well from when he was the assistant manager during their promotion season in 2012.
The likes of people like Billy Fox would probably not be interested in a role that done on a shoestring budget, but Glasshoughton also look at experienced players who are either still playing or recently retired.
The decision is a hard one. Fortunately they do have loads of time on their side. Welfare are mid-table with 37 points and looking down, one team is on seven points and another is on 12 so from that perspective there is no need for a rushed appointment.
All Welfare really need is someone who can put bodies on the field for at least until the end of the season.