Benny has left Witton Albion of his own choice and been appointed as Manager of Bradford Park Avenue FC.
GE
I’m no expert, but surely that is poor timing on his behalf!
I wish him well and all that, and I beleieve Jim is a resourceful man who will find an able replacement, but still not the best news given our current environment.
Firstly I’d like - once again - to thank Benny for his valuable contribution that has certainly helped get Albion back to the forefront of the UniBond League. Obviously, given the Albion’s current standing, the timing of his move couldn’t really have been scheduled at a worse time. However BPA have massive plans - hope they suceed better than the team our previous manager ended up at!
Below is what has been posted on the BPA site and if you have a look at the 1st Division League Table then Benny takes over a team themselves looking currently for promotion.
All the best B.P.
[i]"5th April - New Manager Appointed
With the new investment now in place, the Directors of Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC are pleased to announce the appointment of Benny Phillips as their new full-time First Team manager.
Phillips joins Avenue from Witton Albion AFC where as Assistant Manager and Commercial Manager he has been integral to the successful development of Witton Albion, who currently lie top of the Unibond Premier Division. The Board firmly believe that a full-time manager is required to match the ambitions of the club as it moves to achieve its aims of progressing up through the leagues and developing its ties with the local community.
Phil Sharpe and Clive Freeman will remain at the club in supporting roles to the new manager and the Board appreciate the tremendous efforts of both Phil and Clive, who in a part-time capacity, have achieved a play-off position in the Unibond Division One on limited resources Both Phil and Clive recognise the need for a full-time manager which they are unable to fulfil because of their own business commitments.
Benny has previously been the manager of Mossley and Witton and during his time at Mossley he guided them to a record 12 successive wins. He also reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase and the Final of the Manchester Cup. Benny is aged 47 and as a player he played for Crewe Alexandra, Macclesfield Town, Bury, Stalybridge Celtic, Mossley, Winsford, Barrow, Buxton and Rossendale. He has also had assistant manager spells at Stalybridge, Congleton and Ashton United.
Benny in his full-time role as well as managing the First Team squad and overseeing the Reserves and all other teams under the BPA name, will diversify into developing the business aspects of BPA through schools, coaching in schools, websites, sales, television channels and any marketing aid possible by bringing revenue into the club. This is a role he has undertaken successfully in the North West.
Benny will be appointing an Assistant Manager and an announcement will be made shortly.
Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomes Benny to our club as we march onwards and upwards to achieve its goals with .the first priority being promotion to the Unibond Premier Division."
[/i]
I have to say that whilst I wish Benny the best of luck, I really am sad to see him go. I think he has been excellent for Witton and his departure is a real loss.
That said I am sure Jimmy will line up a suitable replacement and in our current position I think he won’t be short of offers to assist.
I am somewhat surprised at Bennys move, but I have to say that I wish him all the best in his new job, he has been instrumental in building the team with Jim, and also in promoting the club.
I hope he gains promotion for Bradford into the Premier division.
This is the second time he has left of his own accord. Good luck Benny.
The timing stinks, but what can you do?
Good luck Benny.
As long as he doesn’t try to poach some of our players then best of luck to him.
I do think the timing stinks though. I hope he gave Jim enough advance warning for him to have put a contingency plan in place.
There is a bit of a coincidence tho, obviously with BPA making a late move for one of our players and then Sanasay miraculously joining them on the deadline…
personally i think we need to look no further than our very own Brian Pritchard to perform the role of assistant manager till the end of the season. a TRUE RED through and through.
Felt a bit deflated this week after Tuesdays result, then the news that Stevie Connors could possibly have an injury that might keep him out for some time. Now to cap it all news that Benny has decided to move on !
Oh well they say things come in three’s, lets hope we can score three on Saturday and move on.
Interesting that I belive Bradford PA made a move for SC last week, our board sent them packing, now learn that Jon Worsnip has signed , so has Kevin Sanasay. Anyone see a pattern there or am I making one and one into Three ?
Good luck Benny, thanks for your hard work throughout the season.
Of course this now does leave the door open, wonder if Robbo fancys the number 2 position (so to speak)!
Sure Jim will have some ideas and hopefully our position and performances this season may attract a good few applicants.
Didn’t want to tempt fate by putting my name forward, but i’m available most Saturdays!
Looks like the sweepstake is now null and void…
Your date has been and gone months ago so keep you oar out of it!!!
Is Gil Prescott available? He was doing nothing much the last I heard and he has tons of experience.
WHS.