After a week of turmoil, Shildon AFC have appointed a second manager in less than a week.
Former player and fans’ favourite, Chris Hughes has taken over the reins after former Marske United head coach, Ian Clark, quit after just one match and four days in charge. Clark has returned to his position at Marske.
Quit
Explaining his decision to bring his tenure to an unexpectedly quick end, Clark said the manager’s job was “something I thought I wanted, however I have unfortunately quickly realised that this isn’t the pathway for me.
“Over the past few days I haven’t been able to shake the feeling that something didn’t feel right and I have really struggled over what to do for the best.
“It would have been simple for me to carry on with the club and hide my feelings, but ultimately I was unhappy at Shildon, and they deserve someone who is completely happy in the position.
“In life, we only regret the chances we don’t take, and I am grateful to have had the chance to realise that at this moment in my life, it isn’t the right thing for me.”
In a brief statement, Shildon AFC said: “As a club we are obviously disappointed at Ian’s decision but we wish him all the best for the future.”
Appointed
Meanwhile, having been brought back to the club to assist Clark, former player Chris Hughes has agreed to take the role on a permanent basis for the rest of the season, when the position will be reviewed.
Hughes said: “Thank you to the players, supporters and board members who have made me feel welcome since I returned to the club.
“I am really looking forward to continuing the work that has been started with the players.
“It is important we have some consistency for the club now so that we can get the results we need to move up the table.
“In the short time I have been back at Shildon, it is clear to see there is a strong group of players who want to do well for the club.”
Build
Clark’s only game in charge resulted in just a second league win of the season for the Railwaymen and the side’s first goal in seven games.
Hughes added: “It is important we use the togetherness and abilities of the players to build on [the midweek win].
“All of the focus is now on getting a positive result this weekend.”
Rewarded
Shildon travelled to Tadcaster on Saturday in search of that result, but reverted to their familiar pattern for the season of falling behind early in the match, with Lewis Hey giving the hosts the lead in the 19th minute.
But the Railwaymen remained competitive and were rewarded for staying in the game just two minutes from time, when the referee gave a penalty after Dean Thexton was felled in the box.
Thexton picked himself up to convert and earn Shildon a vital point, albeit they slip to third bottom in the league.
This weekend, the Railwaymen remain on the road, visiting Stocksbridge Park Steels who are just one point and two places above them in the Northern Premier League – East table.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
