Toolstation NCEL Division One
Thanks, but no thanks: Ian Richards has turned down offers from two clubs to stay at Penistone
Promotion-winning boss Ian Richards has turned down two offers from elsewhere to stay at Penistone Church.
It is hardly surprising that other clubs have taken an interest in the most highly-rated young manager in the NCEL as he stunned the local Non League football scene by guiding unfancied Church to promotion, as well as the League Cup final triumph at Bramall Lane.
The former Bradford (Park Avenue) and Stocksbridge Park Steels midfielder has been manager of Penistone for seven years and has now won two promotions.
“Honoured to be formally offered two manager jobs at higher status clubs,” Richards said.
“However, I’m pleased to confirm I’ll be Penistone Church manager for 2017-18 season. I’m ambitious but also loyal.
“I owe my players & club to lead them into NCEL Prem. We’re going to give it a right go.”