Gill unveiled as new Keighley boss
26th September, 2026
Macron NCEL Premier Division side Keighley Town have announced the appointment of James Gill as their new manager with him taking charge immediately.
A former semi-professional footballer, manager and coach with extensive experience across academy, non-league and youth development environments, Gill has been brought in to Town to build for the short and long term vision of the club.
During his playing career, he represented Burnley, Bradford Park Avenue, Padiham, Steeton, Barnoldswick Town, Silsden AFC and Albion Sports, earning a reputation for leadership, professionalism and commitment.
As both a player and manager, he has been fortunate to be part of multiple league title-winning and promotion-winning teams, particularly within the North West Counties Football League.
Alongside the managerial roles at Barnoldswick Town and Silsden AFC, Gill also gained valuable experience coaching within the Bradford City Academy pathway and Bradford Schools FA.
These roles enhanced the understanding of player development, talent identification and the importance of creating a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football and was an important factor during our selection process for the next manager.
Away from football, Gill has spent almost seven years as a Senior Leader at the largest secondary school in Keighley and these experiences have significantly enhanced the effectiveness as a football manager and reinforced the belief in the importance of strong culture, high standards and personal development.
Gill commented: "One of the unique advantages I can bring to Keighley Town is my strong connection to the local community and my established relationships with talented young footballers across Keighley and the surrounding area.
"Through my work in education and football, I have built a network that allows me to identify emerging talent, engage positively with families and create opportunities for local players to progress within the game.
"I believe that a successful club should not only compete on the pitch but also serve as a source of pride for its community, providing a clear pathway for local talent and building a sustainable future for the club."
Gill, who replaces Des Hazel in the dugout at Keighley, will take charge of the team for the first team on Saturday afternoon for their home game with Penistone Church as they look to climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table over the coming weeks.
A former semi-professional footballer, manager and coach with extensive experience across academy, non-league and youth development environments, Gill has been brought in to Town to build for the short and long term vision of the club.
During his playing career, he represented Burnley, Bradford Park Avenue, Padiham, Steeton, Barnoldswick Town, Silsden AFC and Albion Sports, earning a reputation for leadership, professionalism and commitment.
As both a player and manager, he has been fortunate to be part of multiple league title-winning and promotion-winning teams, particularly within the North West Counties Football League.
Alongside the managerial roles at Barnoldswick Town and Silsden AFC, Gill also gained valuable experience coaching within the Bradford City Academy pathway and Bradford Schools FA.
These roles enhanced the understanding of player development, talent identification and the importance of creating a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football and was an important factor during our selection process for the next manager.
Away from football, Gill has spent almost seven years as a Senior Leader at the largest secondary school in Keighley and these experiences have significantly enhanced the effectiveness as a football manager and reinforced the belief in the importance of strong culture, high standards and personal development.
Gill commented: "One of the unique advantages I can bring to Keighley Town is my strong connection to the local community and my established relationships with talented young footballers across Keighley and the surrounding area.
"Through my work in education and football, I have built a network that allows me to identify emerging talent, engage positively with families and create opportunities for local players to progress within the game.
"I believe that a successful club should not only compete on the pitch but also serve as a source of pride for its community, providing a clear pathway for local talent and building a sustainable future for the club."
Gill, who replaces Des Hazel in the dugout at Keighley, will take charge of the team for the first team on Saturday afternoon for their home game with Penistone Church as they look to climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table over the coming weeks.
(Story Source: Keighley Town)
Losing run ends Hazel reign at Keighley
13th September, 2026
Keighley Town have announced that first-team manager Des Hazel has resigned from his position with immediate effect.
Hazel was unveiled as their new boss in May but, since an opening day draw at Frickley Athletic, the side has gone on an eleven-match losing streak, leaving them bottom of the Macron NCEL Premier Division and out of the Emirates FA Cup and Isuzu FA Vase at the first hurdle.
A statement released by the club said: "While Des Hazel brought an immense wealth of professional and international football experience to the dugout, the board agrees that a change in first-team leadership is now necessary to arrest our recent form and safeguard the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season."
Chairman Charlie Wysocki added: "This is a deeply regrettable decision, as Des is a highly respected figure who bought entirely into our long-term vision.
"Ultimately, football is a results-driven business, and Des was fully aware of this and we thank him for all his efforts during this chapter and wish him the very best for the future."
In a message to the club's supporters, the statement continued: "We understand that periods of transition can be challenging, and we want to thank our loyal fans for your unwavering patience and backing.
"Your incredible voice from the stands remains the lifeblood of this club.
"As we navigate this transition, we ask that you get fully behind the players for our upcoming fixtures.
"The board is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the right leadership to move us forward, and your continued support is more vital now than ever."
The recruitment process for a new permanent manager has begun immediately.
The club has invited applications from suitably qualified and ambitious coaches who hold relevant coaching badges and possess a proven track record.
Interested candidates should submit their football CV and a covering letter via email to the club's chairman at charles@cjaw.co.uk.
An announcement regarding interim management arrangements for upcoming fixtures will be made in due course and the club say they will make no further comment at this time.
Hazel was unveiled as their new boss in May but, since an opening day draw at Frickley Athletic, the side has gone on an eleven-match losing streak, leaving them bottom of the Macron NCEL Premier Division and out of the Emirates FA Cup and Isuzu FA Vase at the first hurdle.
A statement released by the club said: "While Des Hazel brought an immense wealth of professional and international football experience to the dugout, the board agrees that a change in first-team leadership is now necessary to arrest our recent form and safeguard the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season."
Chairman Charlie Wysocki added: "This is a deeply regrettable decision, as Des is a highly respected figure who bought entirely into our long-term vision.
"Ultimately, football is a results-driven business, and Des was fully aware of this and we thank him for all his efforts during this chapter and wish him the very best for the future."
In a message to the club's supporters, the statement continued: "We understand that periods of transition can be challenging, and we want to thank our loyal fans for your unwavering patience and backing.
"Your incredible voice from the stands remains the lifeblood of this club.
"As we navigate this transition, we ask that you get fully behind the players for our upcoming fixtures.
"The board is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the right leadership to move us forward, and your continued support is more vital now than ever."
The recruitment process for a new permanent manager has begun immediately.
The club has invited applications from suitably qualified and ambitious coaches who hold relevant coaching badges and possess a proven track record.
Interested candidates should submit their football CV and a covering letter via email to the club's chairman at charles@cjaw.co.uk.
An announcement regarding interim management arrangements for upcoming fixtures will be made in due course and the club say they will make no further comment at this time.
(Story Source: Keighley Town)
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