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On old ground

11/ 6/2008

FORMER Mossley striker Chris Willcock is the new man in charge at Seel Park after Gerry Quinn departed the club last week.

Although ‘mutual consent’ was the reason given behind the exit of the former Ashton boss, it is understood both parties had their reasons for ending Quinn’s time in charge.

Club officials were not happy with the on-field performances in 2007/08, while Quinn was apparently unhappy with his playing budget and perhaps felt he could not put out what would be a competitive side.

Quinn had taken the reins at a difficult time with the club readjusting after relegation in 2006/07 and the departure of the Rigby family.

The off-field transition had its effect on the pitch as the Lilywhites struggled to get going for much of their UniBond Division One North campaign, eventually ending the season 15th in the 18-team division.

While Mossley seemingly had no problems going forward, scoring 60 times in their 42 games, the problems came at the other end where they shipped 100 goals, the worst in the division – albeit only one more than bottom club Bridlington Town.

Willcock comes in after spending last season in charge at Woodley Sports having previously spent time at the helm at Winsford United and been player-coach at Salford City.

Having taken charge at Lambeth Grove last summer, Willcock became the 22nd managerial change in the UniBond League in February following Woodley’s 1-0 loss at Bridlington.

He is already well known to Lilywhites supporters after spending four years with the club from 1997-2001, scoring 34 goals in 96 appearances.

MOSSLEY have also announced that long-time secretary David Buckley has resigned from that role as well as his seat on the board of directors at Seel Park.