North West Counties League First Division North
Simon Armstrong has stepped down as Ilkley Town manager after ten years to focus on the club’s player development centre and sixth form scholarship programme.
His assistant and former player Sam Dexter has stepped up to become the club’s new manager, with Dave Houlston as his assistant.
Armstrong’s achievements will never be forgotten as he has taken Ilkley from West Yorkshire League obscurity to Non League Football.
Armstrong told the club’s website: “When I look back over the last 10 years, I am really pleased at what we have been able to achieve.
“It has been incredible to achieve the ambition of reaching Non League football this season.
“It’s a fabulous squad of players and I have really enjoyed my time with them. The time is now right for me to move on and focus on new challenges.
“Developing young players and building a pathway from the junior teams into the men and women’s first team is my next challenge and one I am excited about.
“We have built the AW Academy and scholarship with St Mary’s in the last 3 years, and I want to build on that to help Ilkley’s young players achieve excellence.”
His chairman Richard Giles paid tribute to his outgoing manager.
“Simon has been an outstanding manager for the club,” he said.
“He has moved the first team to the next level and reaching the North West Counties league is a historic achievement for the club and the town.
“I am pleased that Simon will continue to play a big part in the future of the club and focus his coaching expertise on developing the next generation of footballers in Ilkley.”