New Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
Craig Parry hopes to lead Pontefract Collieries to greater heights after being named as their new permanent manager.
Parry has been holding the fort at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division since Nick Handley left in early November – winning two and losing two of his games.
His time in temporary charge has done enough to convince the club’s hierarchy that he is the man to take them forward.
The former Goole and Harrogate Railway goalkeeper will be also standing down from playing duties for the “time-being” to concentrate on managing the team.
“Trevor (Waddington) offered me the post over the weekend and I am taking it on,” said Parry, who has appointed Nigel Danby and Craig Rouse as his assistants.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and taking the club on from the great success that Duncan Bray and Nick Handley had.
“From now and until the end of the season I’m going to be looking to put the club in a good position so that we can take it into the Evo Stik in the next 18 months.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new committee and Trevor. The new committee has exciting targets and ambition and I hope I can deliver.”
Parry has quickly put his own stamp on the team with the additions of two signings this week.
Vastly-experienced defender Paul Sykes has arrived at Beechnut Lane along with highly-rated young striker Brad Kerr.
Those two are just the start according to Parry.
“We’re looking to bring in an array of new signings,” he added.
“We’ve identified targets as a management team of myself, Craig and Nigel from an array of meetings and from watching games. We believe they will take us to the next level.
“We’re in communication with these players with a view to getting them on board.”
Parry’s first game in permanent charge is scheduled to be on Saturday when the Colls are due to travel to Maltby Main.