McGRATH DEPARTS SPORTS & IS LINKED TO BUCKS
JOHN MCGRATH has been tipped for the Buxton vacancy after leaving Mickleover after seven years in charge.
McGrath, the Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers winger, led Sports to title contention in Southern League Premier Central before they were handed a 12-point deduction for fielding Lewis Ridd for seven matches when his loan extension had not been registered.
A failed appeal saw McGrath’s side drop from second to sixth, but they still managed to qualify for the play-offs following back-to-back victories over champions Needham Market and then fellow high-fliers Stamford on the final day.
At that point, McGrath, 44, announced he would be leaving the club after the play-off campaign, which duly ended with a 2-0 defeat at AFC Telford
United on Wednesday.
Within hours of McGrath’s departure, Sports named his replacement with former Nottingham Forest Under 18 coach Gareth Holmes confirmed as the man to lead the charge next season, supported by fans’ favourite Stuart Beavon as player-coach.
On the Mickleover said: “Mickleover FC want to thank John and his management team for everything they have done for the club over the last eight years and on behalf of the committee and all supporters, wish you all the very best for the future.
“The club are working on an exciting program of pre-season friendlies to prepare the new staff and players for the season ahead.”
National League North Buxton are looking for a new manager after Craig Elliott announced he was to step down as boss at the end of the season, back in March.
Elliott took over as manager in December 2022 and narrowly missed out on play-offs last season before guiding the Bucks to mid-table safety