Bowyer puts seal on Salford switch

GARY Bowyer has left Derby County to become manager of Salford City.

Bowyer took up the role of professional development phase coach at the Rams’ Academy ahead of the 2020-21 season.

But the 49-year-old was drafted in by Salford on a temporary deal in March following the departure of Richie Wellens.

Bowyer had been due to return to Derby at the end of the campaign but will stay with the Ammies, having signed a two-year contract.

“Derby County would like to wish Gary every success in his managerial tenure with Salford,” said the Rams in a statement.

Bowyer oversaw an improvement in results as Salford finished eighth in League Two and was named manager of the month for April.

“I’m really excited, it’s all happened very, very quickly and I’m delighted that it has,” he told the club’s website.

“I have to thank Wayne Rooney and Derby County for their role that they have played in all of this.

They’ve been magnificent for me.

“Now it’s a case of getting to work very quickly. Everybody was very accommodating when I was here and made a real impression on me in the short space of time, so it was a very easy decision.

“We’re really excited now leading into the summer. Obviously, there is a lot of work to do in terms of organising pre-season games, getting to work on the squad.

“We’ve got a real good core group here and we’ll be looking to add the right characters and the right players to, hopefully, improve the squad further and give us a real opportunity going into next season.”

Salford captain Ash Eastham added: “The appointment of the manager on a permanent basis is fantastic news for the club.

“His positivity, professional demands and man management skills have been reflected in the team’s performances and results since he joined the club and we are looking forward to working further with Gary next season.”