REBELS TOO GOOD TO TURN DOWN...
NEIL REYNOLDS says the opportunity of managing FC United was simply ‘too good an offer to turn down’ after a second bid to lure him away from Bamber Bridge was finally accepted on Thursday.
The Red Rebels saw their initial approach for Reynolds turned down by the Evo-Stik Premier Division club with the 41-year-old under contract at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium.
But following further discussions and the agreement of a compensation deal this week, Brig reluctantly released Reynolds from his contract after almost two years in charge at the club.
In that time, 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 playoffs.
FC United had been without a permanent manager since playing legend Tom Greaves stepped down in late August and were rooted to the bottom of the National League North table before yesterday’s trip to Kidderminster Harriers – Reynolds’ first match in charge.
The new manager said: “I am absolutely delighted to accept the first team manager role at FC United. The opportunity to manage such a prestigious club was too good of an offer to turn down. The journey that the club has been on over the last 13 years has been incredible.
“I have watched from afar but at the same time knowing that the fans are arguably the best set I have witnessed outside of the Football League. Your support cannot and will not be taken for granted.
“You deserve far more success starting by retaining our position in the National League North this season. I have been impressed with everything I have heard and seen behind the scenes which is a credit to everyone connected to this wonderful club.
“I see this as a major opportunity to put a smile back on people’s faces and ensure that I steer the club in the right direction.”
Reynolds, the former Darwen, Clitheroe and Bamber Bridge midfielder, signed a three-year deal at Broadhurst Park and board member Adrian Seddon is confident the Rebels have got the right man to help them climb the table.
“We have been really impressed with Neil and his approach,” Seddon said.
“I would like to thank the FC United supporters for their patience over the last six weeks. It was important that we took our time over this appointment to ensure we brought in the right man.”
Grateful Bamber Bridge chairman Fran Doyle conceded: “Neil has served Bamber Bridge as both a player and manager with great skill, integrity and passion for over two decades.
“On behalf of everyone at Bamber Bridge we offer our thanks to Neil for everything he has done for this club.”