Young becomes permanent Rossington boss
8th October, 2024
Rossington Main have confirmed that Greg Young’s interim position as first team manager at the NCEL Premier Division side has now been made permanent.
He took over initially on a caretaker basis in September after Ben Hunter stepped down to end his five-year spell in charge at Oxford Street.
A club statement said: "We would also like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who showed interest in the position.
"We were delighted to have so many strong candidates to consider and, while the selection process took time and involved many hours of deliberation, the committee ultimately felt that Greg was the best choice for the role."
Greg needs little introduction to Rosso fans, having captained the club to promotion to the NCEL Premier Division for the first time in their history in 2023.
He racked up a total of 119 appearances and seventeen goals for Rosso plus a total of 732 career appearances and, during his time as captain, Greg was known for his no-nonsense approach, strong leadership qualities, and commitment to the team both on and off the pitch.
The statement continued: "[Greg's] ability to inspire those around him, demand the highest standards, and lead by example played a key role in that historic promotion.
"Now, as he takes on the role of permanent manager, we are confident that those same qualities will drive the team forward as we continue to build for the future.
"Greg’s vision and strategic plan for the future of Rossington Main impressed the committee during the recruitment process.
"His focus on building a competitive squad and driving long-term success made him the standout candidate.
"We are confident that he is the right person to lead the club forward."
Club chairman Daniel Linstrum added: "Dave Burley, director of football, and I have spent some valuable time with Greg over the past few weeks.
"And, he quickly convinced us that he has exactly the right attributes to be a great Rossington Main manager - a man who can inspire our current squad of players and our fanbase.
"Greg will also be given the club’s full support to strengthen the squad in any areas he feels are necessary to improve our competitiveness on the pitch.”
Striker Ross Hannah will join Greg’s staff as player-assistant manager, a first team coach will be named shortly and John Stancliffe is club scout to further strengthen the backroom team.
(Story Source: Rossington Main)
Hunter steps down as Rosso boss
10th September, 2024
Rossington Main have announced that club legend Ben Hunter has stepped down from his role as first team manager, following a remarkable five-year spell in charge.
Hunter has decided to take a break from football to spend more time with his family and focus more on his business commitments.
During his tenure, Hunter guided Rosso to an NCEL Division One Play-Off Semi-Final against North Ferriby in 2022 and achieved the club's first-ever promotion to Step 5 of the National League System the following year after a historic Play-Off Final victory over Horbury Town in front of 1,164 fans at Oxford Street.
In their debut season in the Premier Division last campaign, of which during the pre-season they set an attendance record of 1,697 against Doncaster Rovers, the team narrowly missed out on another Play-Off Final after a tense penalty shoot-out in the Semi-Final away at Garforth Town.
Hunter also helped the club reach two domestic cup Semi-Finals and also ended an eleven-year wait in returning Rosso back into the oldest national football competition, the Emirates FA Cup.
A club statement paid tribute to his reign, saying: "Hunter’s impact went beyond results as he introduced an attractive, possession-based style of football to Rossington.
"His ability to blend experience with youth was clear, bringing in seasoned players like Ross Hannah, Liam King, Greg Young and Brad Grayson to bolster the squad.
"At the same time, he wasn’t afraid to give young talent a chance such as Bailey Conway, who made the first team at just sixteen and later had a trial with Doncaster Rovers before moving to Non-League Steps 2 and 3.
"Also, Bobby Faulkner who is now a professional and not forgetting the exciting additions Hunter introduced such as Manasse Kianga - a firm fan favourite - as well as Paul Sherburn, Cody Prior, Mitch Langton, Cameron Hough, Jack Harrison, Ashley Worsfold plus the likes of Harry Sheppeard and Jim Pollard, who both now play at Non-League Step 4.
"And, sixteen-year-old Lewis Graham who is following a similar path, with Hunter’s strong ties with Doncaster Rovers also helping secure top-quality loan signings like Freddie Allen and Kenzie Dillon, with Allen also now on professional terms with the Rovers."
Chairman Daniel Linstrum added: "I can’t thank Ben enough for his dedication both on and off the field.
"He has provided so many great memories for our football club, and we will forever be grateful for that unforgettable promotion-winning season.
"I’m also proud to say myself and Ben have become good friends and we will stay in regular contact as we continue building on his hard work.
"He leaves us with a strong squad and I’m confident his legacy will carry on."
Hunter leaves his role as first team manager with the club in a stronger position than when he arrived with the foundations set and the club say the next manager will inherit a very good squad of players but importantly a brilliant set of lads.
Main have installed club captain Greg Young as interim manager while they take their time to consider all of their options and his spell in charge begins with a home game against Parkgate in the NCEL Premier Division on Saturday (14th).
(Story Source: Rossington Main)