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As a youngster John joined Burnley straight from school and then signed pro-forms and remained with the club for three years captaining the Reserve team until a foot injury cut short his career and he left at the end of season 2001-2002. Norton tried to temp Williamson back into playing, signing him for Gresley Rovers almost 15 years ago in July 2003 but injury prevented the defender from playing for the club. Now 37 Williamson is joining Norton, Assistant Manager Carl Slater and Player Coach Jamie Barrett on the backroom staff.

On the news Norton told the clubs website, “John and I have kept in touch over the years and we spoke recently whilst I was in caretaker charge when he offered his services to help in any way he can. We met up for a coffee and a chat recently and having discussed the idea with Carl and Jamie who also know him well we agreed to him coming on board.

"With Jamie playing regularly and Carl also playing in some games it will be useful to have someone like John as part of our staff in the technical area to bounce ideas off and also help us off the pitch and on the training ground. We are delighted to add John to the team."

In other news Norton revealed that his hopes off adding an experienced Physio to the backroom staff have taken a blow. Norton met last week with Bob Elliot who has served a number of local clubs well over the years but Bob, whilst being flattered by the offer has decided to remain at Loughborough Dynamo for next season. Elliot had helped Gresley out in their time of need taking the physio bag for the 2-1 away win at Carlton Town in the penultimate game of last season and with Loughborough Manager Pete Ward leaving at the end of last season Norton arranged to speak with the experienced physio last week in the hope of bringing him to the Moat Ground. Norton commented, “Unfortunately we are still on the lookout for a physio after Bob decided to stay where he is. He is a right good character and would have fitted in well at Gresley but we respect his decision to remain with Loughborough. For me a good physio is an integral part of the team and in my past experience it has always been hard to find someone good who will do it for little or no expenses. For us the search continues”

With pre-season training due to start at the end of June Norton and his team are busy making plans for the season ahead on the pitch. “The response to Carl, Jamie and I taking over the management side of the club has been amazing” Norton said. He added: “The whole local community seem to be really galvanized by it and we have had a number of good local, talented lads contact us to express interesting in coming down in pre-season. We are also starting to talk to a number of other players to see who might be interested and are confident of putting together a decent side capable of competing well at this level.

"As mentioned in our recent fans forum we want to ensure all our young, local lads who are interested in joining the club for next season get a crack at first team football as well as also bringing in some experienced local quality to help us get a good balance and blend within the squad. Starting to put a squad together from nothing is exactly like starting the club again from scratch as we did back in 2009 after the liquidation of Rovers but we are all very excited about the challenge that lies ahead and can’t wait to get started”

If anyone know of or is interested in becoming first team physio or potentially attending pre-season training please email the club with contact details and these will be passed to the manager.

Please email info@gresleyfc.com