BICKERSTAFF DEPARTS - STRONG REPLACES HIM
GREG STRONG has been appointed player manager of Rhyl FC today.
He replaces Allan Bickerstaff who parted company with the club yesterday evening.
Bickerstaff led Rhyl to the Welsh Premier League title last season, his first in charge, and was named League Manager of the Year.
In a short statement, the club said today: "Rhyl thank Allan for all his efforts and wish him well in his future career.
"Rhyl are delighted to announce the appointment of Greg Strong as the new player manager.
"Greg is considering his management team and will make announcements as and when appropriate."
Strong (pictured in white), who has played for a multitude of football league clubs in his career, including Bolton Wanderers in the Premiership, joined Rhyl as a player last season.
He was an outstanding success at centre-half alongside George Horan.
Further details to follow.
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Not a total surprise given his absence at both legs of the Champions League tie although I'm sure there is more to that than us 'mere' supporters realise. But the timing?
I think we have to praise and thank Alan for the way he conducted proceedings last season and the way he brought success to the club. Let's hope he finds a suitable outlet for his undoubted talents and that it will be with a club in the English pyramid system.
As for the new manager, let's get behind him and give him the support he deserves, question is, has he got the necessary coaching badges that seem to be so vital today?
For the record, I thought that having heard rumours about AB's future, Neil Roberts would have been a prime candidate for the manager's position. Didn't he state, when he came to the club, that he was looking to earn his coaching badges and get into coaching?
At least this statement 'puts to bed' finally the rumours that have been circulating for some weeks regarding Bickerstaff's future. As Rae said there's definately more to this story yet to unfold, strange though that a coach who has just won the Championship in his first season and voted coach of the year parts company with the club? Strange also the appointment of Strong, certainly did not see that one coming, Gareth Owen or Roberts certainly but as Rae said what experience does he have in management, very little I guess, but I wish him luck. Maybe now we may see some additions to the squad as the board may have been reluctant for AB to add to the numbers with his future up in the air?
Greg Strong is one of our best players in recent years, and seems very capable and level-headed as a person. We will see how he does as a manager but also, more worryingly, how he can combine that with being a player as we cannot afford to lose his playing role for this season. From a playing point of view, it would have made more sense for Gareth Owen to be manager with Luke Sherbon easing into his playing role. Paul O'Neill no longer with us to cover for Greg Strong.
One might suggest facetiously that as he looks to stregthen the squad it would be useful to bring in players like Paul O'Neill, Willo, Craig Jones and either Jamie Reed or Carl Owen.
Rumours circulating for ages and at least now the new management team can move on. I dont think we will ever know what REALLY went on but being sacked after winnin the league and beatin llanelli and TNS the way we did seems a bit harsh. Very Best Wishes Bicky ! Over to you Greg and very best of luck
One thing ive noticed about Greg he is a very good organiser and talks players through the game
That will come in handy as a manager.
He also seems to be very well respected amongst the lads
Infroamtion is power and now I'm a !@#$ing dictator.
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