Duo appointed as joint managers by Nuneaton

NUNEATON Town have announced the appointment of Darren Acton and Russell Dodd as joint first team managers.

The duo have been lifelong friends who share the same footballing philosophy and they have previously worked together as the management team at Coventry United.

Acton is no stranger to Boro fans earning legendary status after racking up 347 appearances in goal for the club between 2003 and 2010, including the epic FA Cup ties against Middlesbrough, and he recently returned to the club as goalkeeping coach.

He is well known in the non-league scene and has played and coached for a number of other clubs including Telford United, Burton Albion, Kidderminster Harriers, Solihull Moors, Barnet and Alvechurch.

Dodd has comprehensive playing and managerial experience predominantly at steps 5 to 7.

His network of contacts at these levels will prove to be invaluable as the club moves forward. His playing career saw him ply his trade with Kidderminster Harriers, Tamworth, Bromsgrove Rovers, Stourbridge and Rushall Olympic amongst others.

Moving into management his former clubs include Lichfield City, Coventry United, Highgate United and Coton Green.

The club’s board unanimously agreed to the appointments Russell Dodd (left) and Darren Acton following a comprehensive recruitment process.

Nuneaton Town said it had received a number of high calibre applicants it thanked all those who applied.

Chairman Ian Cook said: “This is great news for the club and the loyal Nuneaton fans. Darren and Russell bring a wealth of experience and the board were very impressed with their plans.

“Their vision showed that we are all united and share the same goals for our club. Bring on the 2024/25 season.

“With the rebirth of our club well underway, we look forward to welcoming Darren and Russell to the club and helping them to develop a competitive side which our loyal fans can be proud of.”

Acton and Dodd have moved quickly to make their first backroom appointment with the signing of Justin Marsden as player-coach.

Marsden is another that needs no introduction to Boro fans.

A firm fans’ favourite he made 164 appearances in the blue and white stripes scoring 36 goals.

Marsden and Acton are former team-mates having played together in the reformed Nuneaton Town side that won back-to-back promotions in 2009 and 2010.

Marsden recently left Rugby Borough where he had been playermanager at the step five football club.

Nuneaton Town will have a local derby to look forward to in their debut season after being placed at step six of the non-league pyramid system by the FA.

The phoenix club have been placed in Division One of the Midland Football League, the same division as town rivals Nuneaton Griff!