UNFINISHED business and a sense of injustice have propelled Jimmy Reid back into Northern Counties East League management.
Reid, sacked by NCEL premier division Pickering Town on the first day of November, celebrated the opening day of 2014 with confirmation of his appointment as manager of NCEL division one outfit Selby Town.
And with a home duel against Clipstone to come tomorrow to open his reign at Flaxley Road, the voluble Scotsman cannot wait to get stuck in.
“Pickering finished badly for me,” conceded Reid, who proved to be the Pikes’ most successful manager after steering the team to their first North Riding County Cup conquest in more than 100 years.
“They made their decision and I want the club to continue to do well, but the more I mulled it over the more I did not want my football career to finish like that.”
Added Reid: “The season before last myself, Steve Brown and Dean McAuley (his assistants) saved them from the drop and last season we finished fifth and also won the North Riding County Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
“I was talking to someone the other week about how it ended at Pickering and it riled me a bit. I did not want to leave things like that.”
When he was contacted by Selby Town and was told their manager Ian Dring had resigned earlier this week – there was a wrangle over expenses – Reid agreed to become the new Robins’ boss.
Reid, who has agreed to take charge until the end of the current campaign at least, will be assisted by McAuley. He added that he will be able to also call on the assistance of Brown should it be needed.
The new man in charge was fully aware cash resources at Selby were limited but he was prepared to work within those restrictions, adding how he just wanted to get back into the swing of things with the visit of Clipstone tomorrow.
His happy Hogmanay was further boosted by the gathering of his own clan. His sons Arran and Tom – key players during his Pickering command – will link up with him for Selby. Also poised to make his debut is stalwart defender Simon Sturdy, signed three weeks ago from Pickering but yet to figure in senior action.
“There are 19 games to go, so we are still in with a chance of finishing in the top four, which will secure the club an FA Cup tie next season. We are still in the NCEL League Cup, so there’s still a lot to aim at,” said Reid.
“I’ll try to get a few more players in and we’ll just see how we fare. We’ll give it a good go.”
Also in division one, Knaresborough Town visit Shirebrook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel