MANAGER GRIMLEY LEAVES UTTOXETER TOWN

Uttoxeter Town are in the hunt for a new manager after Mark Grimley left the position last Tuesday. Grimley took charge of the team for a total of three seasons in which time a new stand has been erected and Town pushing for promotion every season.

Grimley explained how the decision was tough but can now focus on his personal life more, especially with his wife expecting shortly. "It has not been an easy decision to make – I've had sleepless nights agonising over it but I feel it's the right thing to do," admitted Grimley.   "I feel I don't have the drive, energy or time to be the man to take the club forward."I've got some brilliant memories and there are some great people at the club."

He explained the decision came about after joint manager Andy O’Connor got the Witton Albion job and that managing a whole club by himself would prove too stressful. "It was an opportunity from a professional point of view that Andy just couldn't turn down," said Grimley." That left me in a difficult position and I feel this is the fairest decision for everyone concerned.”

Uttoxeter Town released a statement hours after the news broke that read: “Uttoxeter Town would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Mark Grimley and Andy O'Connor for their hard work and endeavours for the football club over the previous three seasons.”

The club are now searching for a manager who will cater for the youth and bring them through the ranks as the club climb the tiers of the Staffordshire pyramid.

The news is a double blow for the club as both O’Connor and Grimley mean the club is left without many experienced heads at the club and so youth players will become important in the upcoming season which is why ex-Stoke City Geoff Dyche is tipped for the job after guiding Uttoxeter Town Youth to a cup final win and second place in the league with the under 18’s.