It’s with a heavy heart that I will be stepping down from the u21s next season along with Chris, Mark, Marley and Harvey. This was a difficult decision but we want to concentrate solely on the 1st team.

When I first took over, I couldn’t have dreamt of the success we have had over the last 4 years and can honestly say it’s been the most pleasurable management experience I have had in the many years I have managed.

Everyone may say well it would be the most pleasurable time in my career due to the silverware and yes it, was great to win things but for me I got more out of watching the players grow as people and footballers.

I believe you are in a very important role as 21s manager, as you can give the players the grounding they require and also teach them respect for the game.

There are many players that have come through the Colliery system and gone onto bigger and better things, none more so than Rio Allen who has just signed for Scarborough at step 2 and I would like to think the Colliery was a big part of his journey.

I would not be able to leave my post as manager unless we had the right person to take over and we have the most perfect fit Glenn Mcpherson.

I played with Glenn at Harworth for several years and struck an unbreakable relationship albeit a very argumentative one!

Glenn is the perfect fit for the role, he knows the club inside out and he used to run the u18s many years ago, he knows the ethos of the club and understands that the role is not all about silverware but to create a conveyor belt of talent to break into the development and 1st team.

I would like to thank Chris, Mark, Harvey, Marley and all the unbelievably talented and committed physios that we have had over the 4 years, I could not have done this without all your support and for this I will be forever grateful.

Finally, a massive thanks to the committee and all the supporters, home and away the support has been incredible and it had been a massive part of the success of the team.

Bren