Colliers name duo as new dugout team
NORTHERN Premier League East Division club Ashington have named Andy Coyles and Richie Hill as their new management team.
The duo served under Colliers stalwart Ian Skinner over recent seasons and will officially take charge after Skinner’s reign came to a close with Thursday night’s Northumberland Senior Cup semifinal defeat against Newcastle United Under-21s.
Club chairman Brian Shotton revealed the thinking behind appointing the duo after the club received a number of expressions of interest from other managers.
He told the club website: “We had a meeting with some of the new board members to get to know Andy and Richie, it was clear following discussion straight after the meeting that this was the direction we wanted to head.
“They had answers to all the questions we had and aligned with where we saw the club headed next season. Last season was a difficult one with the rising costs around the club, which were generally out of our control, therefore having a coaching team bought into our overall mission for Ashington was key for us.”
There was a managerial exit in Northern League Division One after Whitley Bay confirmed Liam McIvor has stepped down from his role with the four-time FA Vase winners.
The former Newcastle Blue Star managed stepped into the main role in the dugout in January following the departure of former boss Nicky Gray.
Former West Allotment Celtic manager Jay Bates has been named as his successor and he will be joined by number two Barry Rizza at Hillheads.
Speaking after the appointment was confirmed, Whitley Bay chairman Paul Mcilduff said: “Jay and Rizza have done a great job at West Allotment and I’m delighted to get them on board. Their experience will be valuable and I’m looking forward to working with them both and helping us to take the club forward next season.”
The West Allotment board are aiming to appoint a new manager in Bates’ place and are still hoping to speak to potential candidates over the coming week.
Club chairman David Dodds said: “We’re sorry to see Jay and Barry leave and are grateful for the work and success they’ve brought to the club. We’d like to hear from managers and coaches who are interested in building on that success.”