Bamber Bridge appoint new manager

Matt Lawlor will remain as part of the management team, supporting Collins as first team coach due to his commitments at Fleetwood Town, as well as continuing as first team captain.

The pair have been undertaking the role of manager on a joint-basis since the departure of Mick Taylor in March, successfully guiding the club to safety in the EVO-STIK League Premier Division.

Brig’s Director of Football, Neil Crowe, said: “The club have decided to move quickly with the managerial appointments to allow Joey and Matt the maximum time to prepare the team for the upcoming season.  

“Having successfully managed the team’s survival in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, after a roller-coaster season, the club felt they are the right team to lead Brig in the 19/20 season.   

“Joey brings a huge amount of experience to the club on the coaching side, with previous experience as both a player and coach with the British Army’s national team and as a coach with Fleetwood Town FC Academy.   

“Everyone at Brig knows Matt (Lawlor) as a player, but he shown his coaching ability since stepping up to the role of player/coach and most recently joint interim manager.  The club are delighted he’s agreed to continue as part of the management team alongside his role as first team captain.”