NPL Division One East
Former player and coach Mike Thompson is the new manager of Bridlington Town.
Thompson makes the huge step-up from Humber Premier League giants Beverley Town to become Brett Agnew’s replacement.
Prior to becoming Beverley manager in 2020, Thompson served Agnew as a player/coach.
Thompson told Brid’s website: ”Coming back to Bridlington Town in any capacity would be fantastic for me but coming back to this club to manage them is something that I couldn’t say no to.
“From applying for the position, to being offered an initial interview and then eventually being offered the opportunity to take the challenge on at this level, it was all a no-brainer for me.
“When I left the club in summer 2020 I always said it would take something special to pull me away and taking charge at Beverley Town fitted the bill.
“It was my opportunity to pave my own way in management and in the last two years we have had great success there, bringing the Humber Premier League title back to the club and setting points and goals records along the way. It’s been a fantastic two years and getting the club ready with a team that is set for the NCEL has been something that I am really proud of.
“In that same respect, it would take something special to pull me away from that new era in Beverley Town’s history and the only job that would do that is this one.
“I have prepared myself well for this opportunity and it’s a job I’m going to relish. I have continued to follow the club and have a great relationship with the fans and long may that continue.
“Pre-season can’t come soon enough for me and I hope everyone is looking forward to a new fresh approach this coming season.”
Chairman Pete Smurthwaite added: “As chairman of the club I can say we have had some excellent managers who have helped us continue to be successful and get us to this level of football; it’s been a pleasure to do so.
“When you look at the success Billy Heath and Bobby Carroll have had since being given their first managerial opportunity at this club, it shows what can be done when you give people the chance to progress their careers.
“Mike will be appointing additional coaching staff to assist him and they will be announced at a later date.
“I trust everyone involved at the club will give Mike their full support and fans will be given an opportunity to hear his plans at a Fans’ Forum which we’ll be holding at the Town Bar in the very near future.”
The news leaves Beverley on the search for a new manager.
Beverley should find out next week if they have been successful with their bid for a place in the NCEL.