Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Curtis Woodhouse is the new manager of Bridlington Town
Curtis Woodhouse is the new manager of Bridlington Town after Gary Allanson stepped down for personal reasons.
Allanson’s second stint ends after over three years in charge. In his first stint, he led them to the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division. He also won several East Riding Senior Cups. His last game in charge was the 3-1 win at Harrogate Railway on Tuesday night.
Chairman Peter Smurthwaite said: “I was informed by our manager Gary Allanson earlier this week that with regret he wanted to offer his resignation as team manager of our football club. He explained his reasons which were mainly for personal matters and he also felt he has taken the club as far as he can in this his second stint as manager.
“I fully understand his personal reasons which with him being such a conscientious and professional person and the time needed to manage a club at this level seems to get greater every year. The season seems to start earlier every season meaning you only have a very short close season before training and friendlies start again. Our fixture list has been so intense with a fair amount of travelling with us having a midweek fixture every week since the 7th August 2016 to 30th October 2017 a situation I have never experienced before as chairman.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I would thank Gary for all his efforts during this time with us and creating the reputation this club has for playing an attractive style of football and most importantly being professional in what we do both on and off the pitch and wish Gary well for the future. He has led us to two success’s in the ERCFA Senior Cup Finals at the KCom Stadium, respectable final position in the league table and recently our best run in the FA Cup for 13 years with it some much needed prize money. It is unusual to say as a club chairman that there has never been a cross word between Gary and myself and he has been a pleasure to work with.”
Former Hull United and Goole AFC boss Woodhouse, who is also a boxer, used to play in the Football League for the likes of Sheffield United and Birmingham City.
Woodhouse said: “It’s a club that I’ve had a soft spot for since I watched them play against Yeading in the FA Vase back in 1990 at Wembley and I’ve always had a interest in the football club since then.
“I used to ball boy for the club when Colin Morris was the manager and use to love having a kick about with his son Lee after the final whistle, I spent most of my youth playing for Bridlington Rangers under 10s to under 15s and have played many finals on Queensgate not loosing too many, let’s hope that continues!
“So to return as the manager is a proud moment for me, normally when a new manager takes over a club it’s in crisis but Gary Allanson has done a excellent job over the years so I’m fortunate to take over a team that is already on the right footing. My job is to try and improve us and I’m sure the club has a very bright future with me at the helm, I’m looking forward to working with Pete Smurthwaite on and off the pitch to drive the football club to the next level starting today, thanks and let’s really get behind the team.”