Brookbanks to retire after cup final

Appointed by the Ravens in 2014, Brookbanks will take charge for a final time on Wednesday 2 May when his side kick off against Atherton Collieries at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena in the final of the Northern Premier League's showpiece cup competition.

Brookbanks, pictured, guided the club to promotion to the NPL's top flight in 2016 as well as to three county cup finals. In a statement announcing his departure at the end of the season, the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's officials also confirmed the exit of assistant manager Mark Harvey.

Former Carlton Town, Hucknall Town, Quorn and Stamford boss Brookbanks and his number two were thanked by Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks for their hard work and the success they've engineered at Owen Street on the club's website and social media channels.

Rennocks said: “I along with everyone else at Coalville Town would like to thank Tommy and Mark for everything they have done during their time with the club and we all wish them and their families well for the future.”

Brookbanks told fans a health scare last year and a desire to spend more time with his family lay behind his surprise decision in a long statement thanking those who'd supported him in the game at a number of clubs.

He said: “It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, and I apologise if it has upset or shocked anyone along the way. After 23 years of being player-manager and manager I now feel it’s time to hang up my coat. It’s been a fantastic time for me and one if I’m honest started off with my first manager position being forced upon me rather than wanting it as nobody else would do it.

“I never dreamed at the time that success like we had at Carlton Town was to follow and for that I feel extremely lucky and blessed. I’ve also been extremely lucky in 23 years to have three great assistants in Dave Nairn, Gary Stones and best of all Mark Harvey. The fact that all three I regard as best friends says it all about them really.

“Also, I want to thank all the staff who have been honest and loyal to me over the years. Also, to every, and I mean everyone, yes, even those I’ve had a ding-dong with or a player who has ever pulled a shirt on for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the commitment you gave me and the clubs we were at.

“Three chairman in particular I want to thank are Carlton’s Mick Garton, Stamford’s John Drewniki and Coalville’s Glyn Rennocks. Mick for coming on board with me at Carlton and for backing and believing in me. John for being a true gentleman. And Glyn for backing me and Mark every step of the way in our three-and-a-half-years at Coalville.

“It was a difficult transition taking over at Coalville with them being in the lower regions of the Evo-Stik South but between Mark, Glyn and myself we managed to win the play-offs and reach four cup finals plus two years of consolidation in the Evo-Stik Premier which we are all extremely proud of.

“I definitely will be staying in football in some capacity but my days in the dug-out are 100 per cent over. A health scare last year and feeling constantly tired this season has convinced me of that. I also want to start giving back to my wonderful wife Tina who has put up with me and believed in me every step of the way.

He added: “My mate and brilliant side kick Mark is currently weighing his options up and I believe there are lots, but one things for sure wherever we go we’ll still be drinking together on a Saturday night. To all the managers who have been in regular contact over the years I’m still here and still available on the end of a phone for anything you need.

"Finally, thanks to everyone at Coalville the chairman, Mick Jordan, Luke Rennocks, Steve Cartwright, all the volunteers, my staff, and finally the players for everything you have done for me and Mark. Hopefully we can deliver the two cup final wins to finish on a high!”

Image courtesy of @CoalvilleTownFC/Twitter

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