Miller ‘can’t wait to get started’
SPENNYMOOR ANNOUNCE NEW MANAGER AS OTHER CLUBS SEE DEPATURES
FORMER Hartlepool United and Sunderland midfielder Tommy Miller has been confirmed as the new permanent manager of National League North club Spennymoor Town.
Miller took interim charge of the Moors in December after club stalwart Jason Ainsley brought down the curtain on a trophy-laden reign after over 14 years at the Brewery Field.
Miller’s introduction into life in the main role in the dugout was a promising one as he oversaw a three-game unbeaten run that included a 3-1 win against Gateshead at the International Stadium.
The 42-year-old impressed sufficiently to be offered the managerial role on a permanent basis and Moors managing director Tony Wilson described the decision as “a nobrainer”.
He told the club website: “It was a no-brainer giving Tommy the role on a permanent basis.
“Tommy’s professionalism and drive towards planning and building upon the great work he and Jason have done has been clear for all to see.
“It’s no secret that there was a lot of interest in the position, and we were inundated with candidates, but we felt that Tommy had earned his opportunity to take the role.
“It was evident to us that Tommy’s ambitions matched the club’s, and his plans for the season ahead are clear.”
Miller initially joined the Moors as assistant manager to Ainsley in the summer of 2016 and will now set about the task of building on the fine work undertaken by the Brewery Field legend.
Plans are moving forward as the club look to challenge at the top end of the National League North table once again and Miller is confident that his first season in management can be a successful one.
“Having been at the club for just under five years now, I know how professionally ran everything is and the plans in place to take Spennymoor Town forward,” he explained.
“There is a lot to sort and organise in preparation for the new season, but I can’t wait to get started as it’s something I have always wanted to do since finishing my playing career.
“I’m confident that with the players I bring into the football club alongside the group we already have, we can be right up there when it matters next season.”
■ In the Northern League, local rivals Sunderland RCA and Ryhope CW have both announced surprise managerial departures.
Martin Swales has decided to bring an end to his seven-year stint in charge of RCA.
Swales was appointed as RCA manager in September 2014 and led the club to two top six finishes in the Ebac Northern League’s top tier.
He has helped the club reach fifth round of the FA Vase on two separate occasions and the second qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 2017.
Local rivals Ryhope CW later revealed that joint-manager Chris McCabe has also decided to leave his position at the club.