Evo Stik Premier Division
New Frickley Athletic manager Spencer Fearn
Spencer Fearn says he hopes to bring back the good times at relegated Frickley Athletic.
Fearn was installed as the club’s new manager earlier this week after leaving Maltby Main to replace the departed Karl Rose.
Fearn, who has also joined the Frickley’s board alongside the North of England Football Academy’s Ryan McKnight, is tasked with leading the club’s revival in the Evo Stik Division One North next season.
“I’m very excited, it’s a great challenge,” Fearn told Non League Yorkshire.
“Frickley has a fantastic history with very passionate fans and we will be working very hard to try and bring some success to the club.
“As you’ve seen with the Maltby sides in the past two seasons, we had a good mix of experience and youth and the players we recruit all work hard and give their all.
“So the only promise I can make is the lads that represent Frickley Athletic will graft as will we.”
On the suggestion, he will be fielding a team full of academy players, Fearn said: “If an Academy player makes it into the first team we would be delighted. But a lot of the lads we coach are 16-17 years old and have a long way to go before they could make the step up to the Evo Stik.”
Fearn has also clarified his involvement on the non-playing side and has addressed concerns from supporters.
Fearn and McKnight are very experienced football people. Fearn has previously been the owner of East Stirling as well as the vice-chairman of Stockport County. McKnight is the former chief executive of Stockport and has contacts all over the football world.
“Ryan McKnight will be taking the lead off the field,” he said.
“But of course I will be working with him to help in any area possible. The current committee will also remain and there are some good people there, so we will both hopefully add to that. My focus is very much on the playing side.
“The NEFA Academy are bringing much needed finance to the club to ensure we are competitive next season. But not only finance there is a lot of experience and resource on and off the field that will be coming into Frickley, at no cost to the club.
“When change happens it’s understandable that some fans are worried. But equally there have been some really positive messages of support. It’s normal that this happens.”