As recently reported, the Club has made the decision not to continue with the existing First Team management squad for the 2013/14 season. Over the last few seasons, the Club had invested heavily in a programme aimed towards development, stability and succession.
Consequently, when digression from this vision was becoming evident, there were discussions between the Club's Board of Directors who agreed a need to return to a more progressive approach. The Directors have committed to the implementIon of a mid to long-term structure for the club. We are a club who strongly believe in development from within and the new structure will refine this pathway.
We are pleased to announce that the First Team and Development squads will be led by a Director of Football, who will also take responsibility for heading the coaching staff of the First Team and Development squad. In addition, we are able to confirm that Daniel Nielsen shall take on the role of First Team Head Coach. The Club veteran, with over 430 appearances, will be assisted by a coaching team; Dean Smith and Gavin King, the latter of whom will adopt the role of Goalkeeping Coach.
We have for this season disbanded the Reserve team and will replace this with a 'shadow' Development squad composed of under-21 players whom we feel are committed to, and able to compete in, the First Team. This team will compete in the Ryman Under-21 League and will play friendlies against development sides of professional clubs. The squad will be managed by Stuart Crawford and his coaches will be Darren Yarlett and Frankie Webb. I am also pleased to confirm that the final piece of the jigsaw; the return to the Club of David Norman. Our former First Team Manager shall be appointed to the Club Board of Directors, his role to oversee all footballing activity of the First Team and Development Squads. The Board of Directors are excited by the new structure and very much look forward to the beginning of a new era.
We will bring further news of squad signings and friendlies for the pre-season within the coming week.