Bolton graduate vows to return

The former Ramsbottom United coach has set his sights on a fairytale return to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium or another EVO-STIK League club as one of the most successful graduates of the EVO-STIK League's UEFA B coaching bursary scheme.

Pictured collecting his certificate from EVO-STIK League coaching development officer Mark Ogley last season when he returned to Rammy to see his old club host Brighouse Town, the 38-year-old reckons he hasn't looked back since the coaching qualifications he earned at Myerscough College set him up for his big move into the professional game.

Green, who'd already spent a number of years working through his badges during nearly four years at Rammy, insists the EVO-STIK League's Football Association-backed bursary scheme made all the difference to fulfilling his ambitions by picking up half the cost of his course and supporting him through his studies.

Green said: "I'd love to come back one day as a manager after what the league has done for me as the bursary was vital. With the cost of courses it can be a real leap of faith and having the EVO-STIK League behind me and the support of people like Mark gave me the confidence to go for it."

He added: "The financial support made all the difference and I'd urge other young coaches coming through behind me to get in touch with Mark and find out how he can help. The scheme has made me a better coach and helped me progress so I can't speak highly enough about it."

A proud Ogley hailed Green as role model for other ambitious coaches in the EVO-STIK League and has no doubts about his chances of success should he ever get the chance to return.

He said: "Darren has worked tremendously hard over the last few years to achieve this success and his new qualification and coaching knowledge shows he would be an asset to any club in our leagues who are wanting to progress up the pyramid."

Ogley, who is currently looking to recruit and support another batch of coaches through their studies this season, added: "Since day one the league's scheme has aimed to raise coaching standards at our level of the game by encouraging progressive individuals like Darren to aspire.

"He is a great example of the many successes we've enjoyed with the courses and I'm looking forward to working with the coaches who come forward this season to progress and achieve their UEFA B qualifications."

For more information on the bursary scheme contact Mark Ogley on 07718 827260 or via email on ogsshae@hotmail.com.

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