Search begins for new Aspatria coach

Assistant coach Graeme Andrews presents Young Player of the Year Riley Thwaites with his award.

Aspatria are holding interviews in the search for a new coach after long-serving Mike Scott stood down from the role.

Scott has had to pull back from the position because of increased work commitments but he will stay closely involved at the club in an ‘oversight’ role.

A top player before his move into coaching Scott is a legend at Bower Park so supporters were relieved to learn that he will still be involved with the club.

Club representatives have confirmed that they are delighted with the number, and quality of applicants for the position of senior coach, and are currently conducting final interviews with an appointment said to be only days away.

The update came at the club’s presentation night which was compered by Jack Clegg who stressed the importance of an enjoyment of the game at Aspatria, win or lose and stressed that this was the glue that binds the squad together.

Assistant coach Derek Benson with Players’ Player Phil Dixon

Clegg took time to mention all the human moving parts at Bower Park who provide vital contributions. This is a club run by many volunteers giving time to a wide variety of tasks from catering to ground maintenance and all things in between.

When added up the bottom line is a highly successful club representing a town of less than 3,000 and about to celebrate its 150^th anniversary season.

Within the overall performance review it was acknowledged that a 5th place finish in the Regional 2 North League was a satisfactory and fair outcome.

Luke Johnson presents volunteers Cher and Avril with flowers at the Aspatria RU awards night.

A challenge for a top three finish had looked a realistic ambition pre-Christmas but in the final analysis the four clubs above Aspatria established clear water between themselves and the chasing pack.

The ambition is now to close that gap and Clegg pointed out that in the 22 games played Aspatria beat all but two teams, at least once. Only victories against Percy Park and Middlesbrough eluded the Black Reds and the former are now promoted out of the league.

Assistant coach Derek Benson with Supporters Player of the Year Chris Graham

Clegg hinted at some new faces joining the Black Reds but with the start of pre-season training still six weeks away, but no names were divulged.

The club coaching team took over the award presentation and stressed the difficult job they had undertaken to finalise the winners in a season of very close calls.