Changes off the pitch, but future’s in safe

OFF-THE-PITCH changes have been very apparent at Boro, with virtually all links with the previous management regime gone from Hurworth. Sadly two faces that have been regular for a very long time Dave Parnaby and Ron Bone have retired; and they will be very difficult to replace. I am sure though that the good practices on managing and recruiting will be continued, because if it isn’t broken there’s no need to fix it.

One departure came as a shock to hear when Paul Jenkins left the club.

He has been instrumental in guiding youngsters through the teams and has excelled in recent years managing the club’s very successful Under-23 side.

Post Karanka he stepped up to firstteam duties and with the new regime perhaps it was expected that he would move back into his former role.

The tributes flowed on social media, Stuart Downing, David Wheater, Ben Gibson, Dael Fry and Harry Chapman amongst many who voiced their appreciation and thanks for what Jenkins had done to assist their development.

Within days of him leaving Boro it was announced that he was going to be Craig Harrison’s number two at Hartlepool – a great move for him and all concerned at Victoria Park.

The role of looking after the club’s young players though remains in very capable hands with Craig Liddle now having Johnathon Woodgate as a coach for the Under-18s.

It will be invaluable for youngsters to see that their careers are being assisted by club legends that have had such tremendous careers themselves.

The Boro academy has enjoyed an excellent reputation in providing players not only the club but also for careers in the game elsewhere.

In my early days of refereeing intermediate football I was fortunate to wit-