ROUS-ING RETURN IS LIKE A ‘HOME’ COMING
CRAIG ROUSE says returning to Pontefract Collieries feels like “coming home”.
Rouse stepped down as assistant manager Worksop Town to complete a return to the club where he had featured as a player and coach.
The striker played a key part of the Colls’ meteoric rise from Northern Counties East Division One to the Northern Premier League.
He replaces former Rotherham United and Bristol Rovers man Andy Monkhouse, who left the NPL North West Division side by mutual consent earlier this month.
“It feels brilliant to be back and I can’t wait to get started as soon as we are given the nod to do so,” said Rouse, who will be assisted by former captains Andy Seed and Jimmy Williams with Gavin Rothery taking up the position of player/ coach.
“I’ve seen a few comments around social media saying “welcome home” and it almost does feel like that.
“It’s where I spent my best days as a player and equally it’s where I spent my best days as part of the management team that achieved what we did, so yes I’m delighted to be back.”
Rouse leaves Worksop with the backing of manager Craig Parry, who added: “I would like to place on record that he goes with all my blessing, and I believe that it is the right time for him to be a number one in his own right.
Despite not having kicked a ball since late October, Rouse has wasted no time in adding to the Colls squad by bringing back fans favourite Eli Hey, the former Brighouse Town, Colne and Eccleshill United striker.
On being reunited with their former front man, a club spokesman said: “We are buzzing to have Eli back amongst our ranks and can’t wait to see him back banging in the goals once more.”