Consett AFC today announced that interim manager Andy Coyles has been appointed to the Belle View hotseat on a permanent basis.
And he’s bringing one of the North East’s most experienced and well-respected coaches, Paul Bryson, to the club as his assistant.
Andy stepped in as caretaker manager on 29 November following the departure of the previous management duo, and has led the team to two wins and a draw in his first three games.
Chairman Frank Bell said the club has already seen enough to be convinced that Andy deserves the job on a permanent basis.
“Andy was an easy choice because of the qualities he had already portayed in his time at the club, in his coaching, his conduct and the way he deals with players, volunteers and supporters.
“Several quality people had put their names forward for the job, and Consett AFC is very grateful for their interest, as it shows the level of respect there is for the club within the football community.
“However, at this stage in the season it was important we had continuity within the club, and we felt this was displayed with the early performances against a much-improved Whickham side and our performance of the season against Newcastle Benfield in the FA Vase.
“I have no doubt as we go through the season we will meet several challenges, but feel confident the people we have in place will take the club forward and build on what we can have achieved to date. We are confident they can help us fulfil our ambitions of bringing trophies to Belle View and winning promotion.”
Andy’s first ‘signing’ as manager is Paul Bryson, who joins as assistant manager from Newcastle Blue Star. One of the best-known faces on the North East’s non-league scene, he’s been around for 40 years as a player, coach and manager.
He played for Tow Law, Gateshead, Spennymoor, Eppleton, Dunston, Chester-le-Street, Birtley and Consett (in our 2nd Division promotion season of 2003-04).
As a coach he is a Uefa ‘A’ licence holder, and was head of football at Gateshead College for 12 years, followed by a five-year spell at Sunderland AFC Academy. He now works for the i2i Soccer Academy.
Frank added: “The club is delighted to welcome Paul as assistant manager to Andy. He will bring a lot of quality on the coaching side and experience over many years, having played and coached in the Northern League and beyond.
“Paul’s also a really nice guy, who we feel will fit well within the team and culture at the club. I’m sure everyone will get behind Andy, Paul, goalkeeping coach Ben Cole and physio Gav Scott and support them in their endeavours.”
Consett’s next scheduled game is the Northern League Division One trip to Seaham Red Star on Saturday 8 January, kick-off 3pm.
The next home game is the FA Vase 4th Round tie v Wythenshawe Town from the North West Counties League on Saturday 15 January (also 3pm KO).
