Following Dave’s decision to step down from his role, Bodle made it clear that he wanted to remain at the club if possible and having listened to the enthusiasm in which he discussed the potential of the club moving forward, it was an easy decision to offer him the opportunity to step up to the manager’s job.

This, and the decision not to start completely from scratch with a new face, means the club will not have any uncertainty to deal with this summer and it is hoped that this will allow us to build on what was an incredibly positive, albeit short, 2020-2021 season.

The club also feels that the decision is a worthy reward for Steve’s hard-work and commitment to Ollerton Town over the past ten years.

We are also happy to announce that Lee Needham has agreed to stay at the club, assisting Steve moving forward. Lee arrived at Ollerton back in the summer of 2019 and since then, he has proved himself to be a huge asset and an extremely popular member of the football club.

Speaking after his appointment, Bodle said the following: “I firstly wanted to say how much Dave will be missed by everyone, none more so than myself.”

“We have known each other since we were 10-11 and have grown from good friends to best pals. Dave is my daughter’s God Parent, someone who knows me inside out and it still feels surreal.

“I’ll miss having him around every Wednesday and Saturday, and our calls during the week talking football. He will probably enjoy the rest from me, mind…

“With Dave leaving, the club asked me what my intentions were, and I stated that I’d like to stay on. I love the club; the lads are first class and I felt like moving to solo manager was something I wanted to do.

“I can see the lads doing well next year and it’s something I want to be around for. With a little more backing on the commercial side, this club can move forward at a great pace. The club are working tirelessly with the authorities on funding, and with the owners of the ground, and hopefully work on a new facility should start to place in the next year to eighteen months.

“I’m extremely happy to be taking over and excited for next season.”

Any news on any further appointments to Steve’s backroom team will be made in due course.