In today’s match programme, Club Chairman Paul McIlduff explained the circumstances surrounding the departure of Whitley’s management team earlier in the week.
His message is reproduced below:
“It is with much disappointment to me personally, and I am sure to many of our fans, that Marc, Woody and Chris have left the Bay and joined our neighbours North Shields.
Their move was prompted by the resignation of North Shields manager Brian Smith on Monday. Despite long discussions with Derek Breakwell and myself to persuade them otherwise, they decided to leave the club on Tuesday evening.
As Chairman of the whole of Whitley Bay Football Club, I have worked with Marc over an eight year period and he has helped me immensely in bringing to life the vision and reality of a continuous path of football progression from our Junior section through the Reserves and into the First Team squad, a vision and progression that has been a great success and one which very few other Northern League clubs possess.
With the help of our Junior coaches, Rob Atkin and our Junior development coaches, along with Gavin Hattrick and Neil Cooper from our Reserves management team, this vision and progression will continue to grow and support our First Team squad.
In the short term, Gavin Hattrick and Gareth Williams (Cheeks) will take charge of the First Team squad today, while the process to find a new First Team manager has begun
As of Wednesday night (the cut-off deadline for production of this programme) I had received 12 applications for the Team Manager’s position; a measure of the high regard and esteem that the Whitley Bay Manager position is held within non-league football.
Whoever is appointed to the new manager’s role, the board will ensure they continue the rebuilding process, bringing a balanced blend of physicality and experience to the squad, while nurturing and developing the talented group of players that we currently have in our First Team squad.
As Chairman of 17 years I would ask you to support the team, the club and the new manager in their efforts to play attractive and expansive football, the style of football that Whitley Bay Football Club is known for.
Finally I would like to congratulate and wish Alex Kempster every success in his new full time professional career. Alex has been a great role model for the club and testament to our football pathway. Truly a player who played for “the Whitley Bay shirt”.
Congratulations to Gavin Hattrick, Neil Cooper and the Reserves team squad on reaching the final of the NFA Benevolent Bowl. Also congratulations to John Hutchison and his Learning Disability team for winning the Northumberland FA Peoples Cup at the weekend.”
