New role for Bevan as Reid takes Town reins

JAMIE Reid is to take over as manager of Hellenic Premier Division side Fairford Town next season, with former boss Jody Bevan becoming the club’s Director of Football.

Former Gloucester City and Cirencester Town striker Bevan had been in charge for five years at Cinder Lane, and now assumes responsibility for all footballing matters including first team, reserves, academy and youth teams.

Reid will be assisted by the experienced Lee Randall and Sam Farr, who steps up from reserve team manager.

Bevan said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on this new role and am hugely honoured and proud that the club have recognised the work and progress we have made in my time as manager.

“We make no secret of the fact that we are an ambitious club that wants to progress to the next level.

“The current season did not go the way I hoped in terms of league position but I have realised what it will take to achieve our goals.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into managing this club and my new role will enable me to continue to work to develop and grow whilst also supporting all of the coaches involved at the club so that they can all be utilised to the best of their abilities.”

Bevan also gave his backing to Reid, adding: “Jamie knows exactly what has been required to get where we are and I’m absolutely certain that it is now his time to shine.

“Reidy is a totally different character to me and I feel that a new voice and a new energy in the changing room is exactly what is necessary.

“Jamie’s biggest quality is that he is a natural born winner and has that ruthless streak that I believe we need to progress to the next level.

“With Sammy and Rands alongside him I am sure they will create a formidable management team.”

Reid said: “I’ve learnt massive amounts from Jody in my time at the club, I know he and the chairman will give me all the tools possible to achieve the goals we set for the new season.

“We’re an ambitious club, with an ambitious management team and we will be filtering that through to the players going into next season.

“This league was a hugely competitive one last season, with many derbies and I’m here for it.

“A few teams quite rightly will fancy their chances to finish top of the pile and there is no reason whatsoever, if we apply ourselves correctly and recruit in the right areas, why it can’t be us.”

Chairman Stuart Pike added: “With Jody, Jamie, Sammy Farr and Lee Randall – we are in a stronger position to hit the road running for the new season.”

The club are inviting applications for a reserve team manager for the start of the 2022/23 season.

Anyone interested should contact Bevan via email to jody.bevan@sky. com