NEIL WILL NOT BURN BRIDGES
Rebels’ Reynolds approach is rejected
IN-DEMAND Neil Reynolds says he totally ‘understands and respects’ Bamber Bridge’s decision to reject an approach for his services from FC United.
Reynolds has overseen a golden period in Brig’s recent history, steering the club to Evo-Stik League Cup success and then up into the Premier Division last season through the play-offs.
His success into this season too though hasn’t gone unnoticed by National League North strugglers FC United, who have been without a manager since playerboss and club legend Tom Greaves left the club at the end of August.
Rejected
The Red Rebels, currently bottom of the table, spoke to Hyde United boss Darren Kelly about the vacant position recently but the former Oldham Athletic boss opted to stay with the Evo-Stik Premier newcomers.
Then they turned their attentions to Reynolds, only for ambitious Brig to decline their approach, slapping a five-figure release sum on the contracted boss’ head.
But while Reynolds admits he had little say in turning down the chance to speak to the Red Rebels, he understands and respects the decision which was made to keep him at Irongate.
“I’ve had a few discussions with the hierarchy at Bamber Bridge over the past week and have had two or three discussions
with officials from FC United – permission was granted for me to do so,” Reynolds told the Lancashire Post.
“Bamber Bridge don’t want me to go and I’m under contract. There will be no digging my heels in about the situation because I signed the contract and I will respect the contract.
“I understand where Bamber Bridge are coming from, they are looking after the club. When a manager does go you get the situation of ‘Will he take the backroom staff with him, will he take the players with him…?’ I totally understand all that.
“I’m happy at Bamber Bridge. The club has been brilliant to me.”
Brig’s decision to hold onto Reynolds has forced FC United chiefs to go back to the drawing board as they look to protect their rapid rise up the Pyramid which was masterminded by long-term boss Karl Marginson.
Caretaker boss Dave Chadwick remains at the helm in the Broadhurst Park dugout on a caretaker basis but the Red Rebels are keen to fill the role permanently with former Chorley chief Matt Jansen among the names mentioned.