Ollerton Town secure a new manager Richard Hannigan as their new boss after he achieved success with Blidworth Welfare
A new era has been ushered in at Ollerton Town Football Club after they secured a manager with a good track record for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Richard Hannigan has been unveiled as the new boss of their first team and there is an air of excitement around the club after they secured their man.
Hannigan started his career at Linby before finding success at Blidworth Welfare where his side won the Central Midlands League and secured promotion to the United Counties League.
The United Counties League is the competition Ollerton Town are trying to enter and they were looking for a manager with experience in that realm.
Entry into the United Counties League will see the side play more games closer to their home.
Work commitments cut the young manager’s time short at Blidworth but with those now cleared, Hannigan is back in the game after an eight-month hiatus and the appointment seems like a good, mutually beneficial fit.
“I’ve been out of the game now for seven or eight months so I’m really looking forward to next season and the challenge ahead,” said the new Town manager Hannigan.
“I think it’s important to have those early conversations with people that you want to get in as a priority.
“I’m definitely looking to get started as soon as possible and starting to get pre-season organised.”
Hannigan will have his work cut out for him after what has happened this season for Ollerton Town.
The club had to bow out of their reserves competition to raise a first-team after many followed the previous manager, Steve Bodle, to Shirebrook after his departure.
Ollerton suffered an 11-game losing streak that culminated in a 13-0 loss against Selby Town.
To the club’s credit, the side never gave up and managed to finish in 13th position in the Northern Counties East Football League Division One out of 20 teams.
Ollerton said that Hannigan was the stand out candidate who matched their principles and ambitions.
They added that they believe he is the man to bring stability to the club after tough times.
“Richard was someone who was suggested to us right at the very start of the process,” said an Ollerton club spokesman.
“It’s taken us a while, but we’ve finally managed to get him to commit and we couldn’t be more pleased.”