Howard lands top job at ambitious Chaddy

PASTURES NEW . . . Mark Howard is preparing to grab the reins at Chadderton FC

MARK Howard is set to become the new manager of North-West Counties League First Division club Chadderton.

The ebullient 41-year-old will end his three-year stint with Royton Town at the end of the season.

He will replace Steve Patterson and Mark Cook, who have stepped down due to family and work commitments, and take over the reins at the ambitious Broadway club.

Howard, who has guided Town to successive lofty finishes in the Manchester League Premier Division and presided over a Lancashire FA Amateur Shield final as well as Gilgryst Cup success, said: “I would have loved to have stayed at Royton Town and tested the club in the North-West Counties League, but that isn’t to be.

“The lads at Town have been brilliant for me and have got behind everything we’ve wanted from them, playing football the way it should be played.

TOP FLIGHT
“I am very ambitious and want a top-six finish with Chadderton next season and to be in the top flight within the next three years.

“I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Chadderton secretary Dave Shepherd said: “We had a number of applications for the manager’s job and Mark’s stood out with his vision for the club.

“Everything has been done amicably between the two clubs and we are delighted to have him on board.

“Steve and Mark have done a fantastic job for us, especially with the FA Vase run that we had last season and reaching the play-offs.”

Bob Sopel, the Chadderton chairman, said: “It’s great to have Mark with us and we have big plans for the future.

“There is a lot of work to be done, starting now in what will be the club’s 70th year and our aim is to have success in the league and in the cup competitions.

“These are good times for us and one of the important things is that we raise our profile within the community and get more people coming to watch us play.

“We have approached Manchester County FA about the possibility of structuring our fixtures for next season so they don’t clash with Oldham Athletic’s home matches.”

Town president Dave Whitehead told the Chronicle: “Mark has done a great job for us as manager and we wish him all the best in his new role.

“We are currently in the process of interviewing for the vacancy with us.”

Patterson and Cook’s final game in charge of Chaddy on Saturday was a memorable one as the team thumped Ashton Town 6-0.

On the score sheet were Niall Sultan, Macauley Harewood, Liam Wood, James Done and Chris Pauley (two).

Chaddy finished 14th in the table.