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Management? It's just kid's stuff for Aiden
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
A would-be Gresley Rovers manager has led the team out at the Moat Ground - as mascot.
Nine-year-old Aiden Heath was one of 30 applicants for South Derbyshire football's top job when it became vacant last year after previous boss Brian Kenning was sacked.Rovers chairman Mark Evans considered the Hilton schoolboy's application but in the end went for a more experienced candidate, former Scotland international striker John McGinlay.
Aiden still had his moment of Rovers glory, however, when he was invited to be Saturday's mascot.
Now Gresley fans are hoping the youngster will be back soon after their team marked the occasion by wining for the first time in 11 games.
Said Aiden, a pupil at Hilton Primary School who turns out in defence for Hilton Harriers under-9's: "I saw in the paper that Gresley needed a new manager so I applied. I said in the letter how I would train the players to kick and pass. Now I'm looking out to see if they want a new manager at Derby County. When they do. I'll apply for that."
Keeping a close eye on their son on Saturday were parents Richard and Gail, of Lucas Lane, Hilton.
Said Richard: "He's mad on football. Every waking moment he's banging a football against my garage door. After he sent in his job application Mark wrote back and said he was a little too young, but invited him to be a mascot. He's had a really great afternoon and wants to come back again."
Rovers reserves lost 3-0 at Barwell in the league on Saturday.
Dave Lucas opened the scoring in the 15th minute then doubled the lead two minutes before half-time, while John Curry wrapped things up in the 53rd minute.
Rovers play host to Hinckley in the Challenge Bowl on Wednesday (7.30pm).
