Chettle quits Boro to take Ilkeston reins

STEVE CHETTLE is heading back to Ilkeston Town as the former Nottingham Forest defender has stepped down from his role as assistant boss at Nuneaton Town.

Chettle came to the Boro back in the summer of 2015 as assistant to then boss Kevin Wilkin and continued his role when Wilkin was replaced by Tommy Wright in the dugout last November.

That run has come to an end now, though, as Chettle was tempted back to his former employers Ilkeston when they offered him the top job at the beginning of the week.

For Boro boss Wright it will leave some big shoes to fill.

He said: “Chetts is a top bloke and a top, top coach and he was someone who was very highly thought of in the dressing room here at Nuneaton.

“He was new to me when I came to this club last year but we got on so well. He was someone I could always lean on and someone who took my ideas onto the training pitch.

“He will be missed here, but we understand why he is going.

“He was at Ilkeston before and he has unfinished business there. I wish him all the best.”

With Chettle going the hunt is now on for Wright to replace his former assistant – not that the Boro boss will be rushing that decision.

He said: “He broke the news to me on Saturday evening and we agreed to let the players know after Tuesday’s game at Coalville. Since then I have had a couple of chats with people but nothing has come of it yet.

“I will not be rushing that is for sure as this is a big appointment for me, I want the right man in there at the end of the day. There is no point in just appointing somebody just to fill a box. That is why we will be looking at the best person for the job, mate or not. I want someone who is not a yes man, someone who has the balls to challenge me when needed.

“Chetts was like that, he was perfect for this club and he will be hard to replace, but we will get someone.”