Ollerton Town Football Club can announce that management duo Craig Collins and Tom Chambers shall leave their post after next Saturday’s home game against Worsbrough Bridge (6th January)

Craig and Tom took over in the summer, during an extremely tumultuous period for the club, and alongside their team of Courtney Sterling, Nathan Fawley and Mark Birch, they have worked extremely hard to settle things on the pitch, giving blood, sweat and tears throughout the season. Their management of the first team has then allowed the club to stabilise behind the scenes, meaning they leave the club in a better position than which they found it.

The pair agreed to take on, what is without question, one of the hardest jobs in Northern Counties East League football, and despite the various challenges and obstacles in their way, they have taken the job on with great spirit and shown fantastic commitment.

However, after discussions between the pair and the club over the festive period, it has been mutually agreed that they shall step away in order for the club to bring in fresh ideas in the hope of maximising what is left of the 2023-2024 season, as well as planning ahead for next season.

Club chairman Liam Kent had the following to say; “This has been a very difficult decision for everyone to come to. We all have the upmost respect for Craig and Tom for the job they have done so far this season. We all wanted a different outcome, and I cannot think of a pair more deserving of success.”

Kent then added; “Unfortunately the results have not been what any of us wanted and after some honest and mature discussions over the past few weeks about the direction of the football club, we have amicably concluded that it is best for all parties if we now go our separate ways.

“At the heart of these discussions at all times was the welfare of Ollerton Town Football Club which sums up both Craig and Tom. The fact they have agreed to give us one more game to help with the transition epitomises what they are about. They leave with all of our thanks, and they will always be welcome here at Walesby Lane.”

The club is now accepting applications for the role of first team manager and shall be making a further statement shortly.