Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town assistant manager Andy Sunley is leaving the UK and moving to America to work
Garforth Town have said their farewells to departing assistant manager Andy Sunley who heads off to work in America at the end of this week.
Sunley, the former Tadcaster Albion and Harrogate Railway star, was taken to Dublin for the Easter weekend by the Garforth players and staff as a send-off.
He leaves long-term friend Rob Hunter’s side after a season assisting the Garforth boss.
“I think I first came across him when he was 14 or 15,” Hunter told Non League Yorkshire.
“He made his debut at Harrogate Railway when he was 16 and he was part of the famous Railway team that got to the FA Cup second round in 2002 under Paul Marshall.
“He scored a 40 yard wonder goal in the first qualifying round at 16. I’ve had him at Tadcaster Albion and Glasshoughton Welfare and I was there on the two occasions he broke his leg.
“He has done well to bounce back and he’s one of those people who the Northern Counties East League will miss because he’s been a great stalwart for it.
“He’s been to every ground, played for four or five teams and he’ll be missed, especially by the lads at Garforth.
“When I got the job here, I rang him straightaway and he couldn’t get here quick enough. It was so tough here in pre-season and in the first part of the season and he was always on my shoulder keeping my head up.
“He’s one of those lads who never lets you down. We all wish him all the best and we’ve given him a good send-off as myself and all the Garforth lads took him to Dublin for the weekend.”
Hunter has identified who he wants to replace Sunley as his assistant and is hopeful of confirming the appointment after the end of the season.
The new man will join Hunter and first team coach Mark Greaves in the J.S Community Stadium home dugout.