Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Sean Margison has agreed to stay on at Athersley Rec and take sole control of the team next season.
Margison was considering his position after Jason Dodsworth stepped down. But after talks with his family and the club, Margison has committed himself. The Rec are now wanting to recruit an assistant and coach to help their manager.
A statement said: “Sean has taken time out over the past week to consider the impact of taking on the manager’s role fully following Jason’s decision to stand down due to family commitments.
“And, after taking all things in to consideration, he has come up with the answer the club were hoping for.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for Sean as for the most of last season the Rec were in a constant battle in the bottom half of the table and, because of the club’s successes over the years, both Sean and Jason were taking the weight of the situation on their shoulders to a point that it was becoming more of a chore than a pleasure as the weeks went by.
“Having been with the club for 26 years, starting as a player, Sean has moved through the ranks at Athersley Rec and has gained the respect of everyone involved at the club, so much so that even though he is of a quiet nature when Sean speaks people listen.
“The Board of Directors are really pleased that they have been able to retain Sean’s services and have committed to giving him every support they can for the coming season.
“Even though the club has an illustrious past, everyone is fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead for Sean and his team.
“Playing against teams that have five and six figure budgets every week is no easy task and just to survive at this level with very little financial clout is an achievement in itself.”
General Manager Pete Goodlad said that he was “thrilled” that Sean had agreed to stay on as manager.
He added: “As a person who is aware of the ethos of the club and its financial restraints, it is important that we have someone at the helm who understands that the club cannot throw money at resolving issues on the field but have to rely on our policy of bringing through our own youngsters and building on the hard work that has been done at this club over the years.”
Any interested parties in the vacancies should forward their CV and brief outline of experience to Pete Goodlad at petegoodlad@yahoo.co.uk.
Closing date for applicants is 5pm on Friday 20th May, 2016.