Fan power forces coach appointment u-turn for Worksop Town

Tigers sparked a furious backlash from fans by naming Rich Williams as their Under 21 boss last Friday.

Less than 24 hours later the decision was reversed.

Williams, who has previously worked with Staveley Miners Welfare and Retford United, is still seen as a controversial figure by many Worksop fans.

He was matchday secretary for FC Brimington, a club who moved their home games to Sandy Lane after Worksop were kicked off the ground by leaseholders 1861 Leisure Limited.

By playing at Sandy Lane, Brimington and other Sunday League sides helped to ensure the terms of the lease were satisfied.

The lease simply stated that the ground must be used for football and did not specify it was for use by Worksop Town alone.

Worksop came close to financial ruin and spent three years in exile, playing games at Hucknall, Ilkeston and Retford before agreeing a tenancy with new Sandy Lane leaseholder Pete Whitehead and returning to the town.

Reacting on an online message board, fans called Williams’ appointment a ‘disgrace.’

The next day the club issued a statement confirming he would not be taking up a coaching position.

The Guardian understands Tigers chairman Kev Keep was upset that Williams’ history at Sandy Lane was not fully disclosed when the two spoke privately before he applied.

Nev Hunt has instead been appointed, a coach who has worked with Chesterfield FC Player Progression Pathway and Player First Football Coaching.

The Guardian has contacted Rich Williams for comment.

Tigers have also moved to appoint Craig Spink as Under 19 manager.

Spink is well known in local football circles having captained Worksop Borough for several years and coached with Worksop Boys Club and Sheffield Wednesday Development Centre.

Robert Hardy, who has 10 years of experience working in the women’s game, has been named as the club’s ladies team manager.