Eagle lands at Amber Parras again
21st May, 2019
Russ Eagle has been confirmed as the new manager of Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Handsworth Parramore, returning to a club he knows very well.
He led Handsworth to the Division One title and Presidents Cup glory in the 2011/12 season before taking charge in a second spell following the club's merger with Worksop Parramore.
Eagle has also had time in the dugout at Alfreton Town, Maltby Main, Belper Town and Parkgate before last season he helped to guide Sheffield FC to a play-off finish in the Evo-Stik League as assistant boss.
Chairman John Ward said: "Russ knows our club well and has a great affinity for the club and understands fully our aims and objectives.
"He's had great success here before where he showed a great desire to make the most of the excellent youth system we have here at the club.
"Russ showed a tremendous desire to re-join the club and from the minute we opened dialogue, he's been chomping at the bit to get started."
Vice chairman Steve Holmes added: "Russ knows us and vice versa - we've a big journey ahead of us and one that we as a club are very much looking forward to.
"We've got some really exciting talent within the club both in the existing squad and in our youth system who are knocking on the door.
"We've a big challenge ahead of us and one that we are relishing, Russ is coming to us on the back of a brilliant season at Sheffield FC and, with his track record of blending youth and experience, we're really looking forward to shaping the squad and seeing who is up for the challenge."
Eagle said of his appointment: "I'm absolute buzzing to get started, everyone who knows me knows what this club means to me.
"The buzz and pride around the club that was here back in the double-winning season is something that we must aim to try to replicate.
"This is a special club with special people around it, from the famous Handsworth Academy (our nursery training camp) to the first team, the club oozes quality."
He added: "I'm honoured to be the new gaffer here and want to create an environment for players to enjoy and express themselves and wear that shirt with the type of pride and passion that this club deserves.
"There is some serious talent already within the ranks and I'll be contacting the playing staff in the coming day or so.
"I can't wait to get back working for the chairman, Steve and the rest of the board - the work that is put in behind the scenes at this club needs to matched on the field and, if we achieve even 50% of the work they put in to this club we'll be in a good place.
"I'll do all I can to repay the faith they've placed in me."
Earlier in the week, Handsworth announced that Steven Istead was stepping down as interim first team manager.
The club thanked him for taking on the role alongside Jon Froggatt in the middle of the 2018/19 season, before taking sole control when Froggatt moved to Evo-Stik League side AFC Mansfield.
A statement said: "Stevie has been a fantastic servant to our club both on and off the pitch, a true role model whose honesty and work rate has been admired by all who has come into contact with him.
"Stevie has kindly agreed to help the club in any way possible as we move into the forthcoming season, a measure of the affinity he has for the club and we have for him."
(Story Source: Handsworth Parramore)
Click here for Handsworth's team page.