Retford United have started looking for the permanent successor to Paul Ward
The search is on for the next permanent Retford United manager after the club’s temporary committee held an emergency meeting last night.
Retford were in crisis on Tuesday following Russ Eagle’s change of heart over the vacant manager’s position which triggered the resignation of the entire first team committee.
Retford initially told the Toolstation Northern Counties East League that they could fulfil their eventually frozen-off trip to Barton Town OB before Rich Williams stepped in to raise a team.
Williams, who was the sacked Paul Ward’s assistant, has been made acting manager and secretary.
Interested parties have until the 6th February to stake a claim for the permanent post.
A Retford statement said: “An emergency meeting took place on Wednesday evening in order to appoint an acting working committee to move the club forward in the next few weeks.
“Supporters Club Chairman Ian Beech will be the acting chair of the committee and former Retford United Chairman Brian Jackson (who founded the club in 1987) will be vice chairman, Rich Williams will be acting Secretary.
“Also part of the working committee at this moment are Rob Roberts, Kevin Swannack and Chris Woodhead.
“Over the weekend a further meeting will take place between, Ian, Brian and Rob and the former committee who resigned their positions on Tuesday, the club Chairman Bill Wyles and Paul Dixon will also be present.
“After this meeting a proper committee will be elected to run first team affairs.
“In terms of the on field aspect the club will begin it search for a new first team manager after the weekend’s meetings.
“Applications for the role should at present be emailed to Rich Williams who can be contacted by emailing richwilliams72@yahoo.co.uk.
“All applications need to be put to the club by Friday 6th February at the latest and will then be put to the new committee for discussion (including those already received).
“Rich Williams will take charge of first team affairs for the next few games on a caretaker basis.
“Williams will be assisted by senior player Ben Muirhead and U21s manager Chris Woodhead.
“Upon the appointment of a new first team manager Williams will revert to his role as Head of Youth Development.
“The club have today contacted Brian Gould of the NCEL and informed him of the current situation.
“We are working as quickly as possible to stabilise the current situation and will continue to use the website to communicate any developments to the supporters.”