Paul Stansfield (left) believes Brian Davey (right) goes down as a legend at Knaresborough Town
Brian Davey leaves a massive legacy at Knaresborough Town and he’s going to be a hard act to follow, admits new boss Paul Stansfield.
Davey, Knaresborough’s most successful manager ever, surprised many when he resigned on Monday night, ending eight glorious years in charge at Manse Lane.
Davey led Knaresborough from the West Yorkshire League and turned them into a solid Toolstation Northern Counties East League side, winning countless trophies along the way.
Stansfield is well-placed to comment on Davey’s achievements as he was his assistant between 2011 and 2014 before returning earlier this summer to the same role.
“It is phenomenal what he has done for the club,” Stansfield told Non League Yorkshire.
“When he took the job on the club were bottom of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division.
“The stands have been built along with the clubhouse and floodlights since and we have had an unbelievable amount of success on-the-pitch.
“They won the West Riding County Senior Cup, the West Yorkshire League. Brian will tell you how many trophies they won and it is a lot.
“He has been unbelievable for this club and it can’t be under-estimated what he has done. He’s a legend really.
“The pressure is on to try and continue with what he has done.
“We have to solidify over pre-season because it has been a bit of a shock.
“We need to look to kick on and continue what Brian has achieved.”
The dramatic chain of events started when Davey requested a Monday night meeting with the club’s hierarchy.
That ended with his resignation for personal reasons. Stansfield, who only recently replaced Rob Hunter as his assistant, was immediately approached by the club’s committee to fill the new vacancy.
He accepted the offer on Tuesday night – 24 hours before the 2-2 draw at York League champions Riccall United.
Knaresborough used a variety of players from their three main teams in the match which was played in torrential rain.
Stansfield, who also held a training session on Tuesday evening, is full of praise for the way his players have reacted to the surprise news.
“The players are a little bit stunned,” he said.
“We haven’t spoken too much about it. I did speak to Brian after he saw the committee on Monday night and I passed on his words to the lads that he has enjoyed every minute.
“Not many questions have been asked as to why and how, not to me anyway.
“The attitude has been spot-on at training and they have looked to give 100%.
“They did the same at Riccall.”
The visit to Riccall is the first five scheduled friendlies before the Toolstation NCEL Division One season gets underway on August 8th.
According to Stansfield, the side that will take to the field then will be familiar to supporters as he does not envisage many changes.
“I’m hoping there won’t be any departures,” said Stansfield, who is currently speaking to potential assistants.
“The squad is good and I know a lot of the boys already.
“I don’t want anyone to go, but we will look to strengthen in certain areas.
“I’ve told the lads where I think we need to improve and that will stay in the dressing room.
“We will look to make a couple of additions, but only if they are right for the club.”
Knaresborough are next in action on Tuesday when they host Boroughbridge at Manse Lane.
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