KEV AIMS TO GIVE BACK TO PURITANS
CHELSEA legend Kevin Wilson says he is determined to help the development of young players in his local community – much in the same way he was given his big opportunity.
The 62-year-old has been unveiled as new boss of hometown club Banbury United – his first management post since leaving Nuneaton Town eight years ago.
Wilson broke into the Puritans’ first team at the age of 17, making 45 appearances and scoring 13 goals for the club before landing a club record £25,000 transfer to Football League club Derby County.
From there, he enjoyed a long career playing for the likes of Ipswich Town, Chelsea, Notts County, Walsall and Northampton Town, amassing 740 appearances and scoring 207 goals. He was also capped 42 times for Northern Ireland, scoring six goals.
Wilson went into management with Northampton Town, where he achieved promotion to League Two in 2000, and went on to take charge of the likes of Bedford Town, Aylesbury United, Kettering Town and Ilkeston Town before joining Nuneaton in May 2015.
Since his 18-month loan spell at Boro ended in November 2016, Wilson became a director of the Sportz Connexions football agency, where he continued his passion for developing top talents – a role he aims to continue at the Spencer Stadium.
“Banbury served me well as a teenager and I would like to give something back to the promising talent of the town,” said Wilson, who replaces Mark Jones in the Puritans hot seat.
“Longer term, I’m keen that Banbury United improves the pathway to professional football for local youngsters.
“I’m delighted to come back to my roots at Banbury United and manage the Club at this point in its history. The time is right. I love this club.”
● Chris Taylor is the new manager of Basildon United following the departure of Ajay Ashanike – after just six weeks in charge!
Former Fisher boss Ashanike joined the Isthmian North division side in mid-December, replacing Darren Manning, and led the club to four wins in that time.
Taylor, the ex-Wigan Athletic player, was in charge of Witham Town last season.