News

Norton was installed as caretaker manager for the last 3 games of the season following Damion Beckford-Quailey’s resignation after a challenging couple of seasons at the Moat Ground. After 10 years in the dugout Norton decided to step down from his role as manager in May 2013 due to increased work commitment and to spend more time with family but has been on the clubs board of directors for the last 5 years but last night agreed to step back into the dugout once more

On his re-appointment as manager Norton told the clubs website, “I have accepted a request from our new Chairman and board of directors to once again become manager of the club. Carl Slater will assist me and further news of the backroom team will be announced over the coming days”.

He went on to say, “If you’d have asked me a few weeks back before Damion’s departure if I would have ever seen myself back in the manager’s position at the club - other than perhaps in a caretaker role if ever needed it would have been a 100% no, but, things have changed significantly over the last 2 or 3 weeks and as a result I’m delighted to be back as manager.

"For whatever reasons it seems that the club and many of our supporters and others connected with the club have gradually become disconnected over the last couple of seasons which is really sad to see and the new Chairman and board very much want to try to fix that.

"They think, in the short term at least, that appointing me as the clubs manager again will help with that goal and I’m delighted on that basis to have accepted the challenge. I discussed it briefly with my family and also a few of our supporters' club before making the decision and they were very supportive.

"I will be making one or two adjustments with my employer so that I can ensure I have the time needed to spend managing this great club once more. The heart of this club belongs with our supporters and our local community and the primary aim of Carl and I and also that of the board is to try and get that connection back with our local community and get the Moat Ground buzzing again".

Former club captain Carl Slater who assisted Norton during the last three games of the season was confirmed as his assistant. “Carl is absolutely buzzing to have to opportunity to step into the management side of things and especially at Gresley”. Norton added, “His heart is very much with this club and when I initially asked him if he would help me as caretaker manager I didn’t even get chance to finish the question before he answered.

"He is very much looking forward to the opportunity and of working for the club from the other side of the fence. His experience of playing at this level with be invaluable both on and off the pitch as he takes that step into the management side of things. Carl also intends to register as a player so I’m hoping will provide some much needed experience on the pitch at times when needed.

"Carl and I are really looking forward to working with Mark, Pete and the rest of the board and the challenges that lie ahead in putting together as competitive a side as possible to compete in the Evo-Stik league. We have agreed to a model of trying to bring in and also develop the best local young talent to the club and mix it with some experienced local players where possible. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and trying to help to club both on and off the pitch in the coming season."

On the appointment of Gary and Carl new Chairman Mark Alflat added, "I am delighted that Gary Norton and Carl Slater have been appointed to manage the club. There was no other candidates that the Board wished to consider when it was confirmed that they were willing to take on the role. Both are Gresley men through and through Gary's track record previously speaks for itself. I am also very pleased with the other Board appointments which give us great experience and passion for the club. We have re -established links with our excellent supporters' representatives and there is a great optimism returning for the future".

Gary also wanted to add a few words on former Chairman Barry North. “It has really saddened me to see how things ended up with Barry leaving the club in the way he did and I know from speaking to him recently he’s very upset about how things have turned out too. The club is and will remain very much in his heart despite him moving on.

"Whatever the reasons were for things developing as they did I’m not sure but one thing I do know is that without the likes of Barry involved with our club we would not be in existence today. I really do mean that. Despite the distance he lives from the club I have never seen a person more committed to a club's cause and for over a decade he put this club first in everything he did from financial, family and personal perspectives.

"Baz always had the best of intentions for the club in every decision he tried to make and I felt so sorry for him when he decided to step down as chairman and from his role at the club but understood his reasons. I would like to think I can class Barry as a personal friend and for me he has been nothing short of brilliant for our club in recent years.

"When I was manager previously you could not have wished for a better chairman to back you through the tough times and pat you on the back after the good times and for that I will be forever grateful. I’m sure many at our club would join me in wishing Baz, Jackie and the rest of his family the very best of luck in the future.