Craig Rouse steps down as assistant manager at Worksop Town

Craig Rouse has stepped down from his role at Worksop to become first team manager at Pontefract.

Rouse had joined Tigers with boss Craig Parry after the pair left Pontefract.

Boss Parry said: “I would like to place on record that he goes with all my blessing, and I believe that it is the right time for him to be a ‘number one’ in his own right.

"With the joint success that we have shared over the past five years, he deserves the chance to have a career in his own right at the top of the team.

"Being a football manager is not always an easy job. There are a lot of good times, but also a lot of tough times and hard decisions that you make on a daily basis, and throughout these times and decisions Craig has given me, as an assistant, all his support, advice, and hard work over the past five years whilst in my management position – I thank him, and I will always be grateful.

"I believe that my former club Pontefract Collieries are getting a man with fantastic beliefs, work ethic, and potential. I wish all parties the best of luck, and I am sure one day, we will share the field once again together, but this time in opposite dugouts.”

Tigers chairman Pete Whitehead was also quick to praise the work of Rouse.

"Although Craig has only been with us for a short while, I have known him for many years and always thought that one day he would become a number one,” he said.“He has worked tirelessly since his arrival, and on behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the very best.”