A managerial shake-up at Stone Old Alleynians has seen former Macclesfield Town forward Bob Askey step down as first team boss after two years at the helm, and hand the reigns over to Matt Smith, who served as Askey’s assistant last season.
Smith, 26, takes over a developing side that he believes is ready to push on and challenge for silverware this term, and is glad that Askey has agreed to stay on as his assistant.
“Bob has done an excellent job in putting this team together, finding the best young local footballers and giving them a platform to play at a decent level. I’m looking forward to taking over and have been busy preparing for the start of the season. I’m hoping we can get a settled side together and achieve a consistent high level of performance throughout the year, and for that to be reflected in our results.”
Smith has tasted success already in his fledgling managerial career, guiding Little Stoke FC to the Uttoxeter & District Sunday League Division Two title in just his second season in charge, and will be hoping to bring some of that winning mentality to the club, who play their home matches on the stadium pitch at Stone Dominoes.
Work has begun already, with Smith and Askey putting the players through their paces in pre-season, and the pair are always on the lookout for new additions.
“We train on the grass by Alleynes Sports Centres on Wednesdays at 18.30 and Saturday mornings at 10.30” said Askey. “If you’d like to play please come along and train with us.”
The club’s 2nd team will also be looking to build on last season’s excellent finish, as Steve Slater’s charges put together a 10 match unbeaten run, showing how far the club has come in such a short space of time.
The first team’s pre-season schedule begins in earnest on Wednesday the 16th July with a friendly at Eccleshall FC, before the club host a 5 aside tournament at Stone Dominoes on Saturday 19th July. Anybody interested in entering a team should contact the club via its twitter account: @StoneOA_FC.
“We’re really hoping to raise the profile of the club this year, and the 5 aside tournament is a great way to do that,” said Smith. “We have a fantastic set-up and it would be great if we got a few more people to come and support us at home games on a Saturday afternoon.”
1 comment
Spoony
For Askey and Smith read Max and Paddy.