Champion stands down for good

One of Non-League's most-travelled keepers at more than 30 clubs since starting out at Bolton Wanderers, the veteran coach told fans this weekend he was calling time on his career to leave on a high after helping the Robins win promotion as the Northern Premier League's Premier Division champions.

A retired firefighter who also runs successful sports kit supply business SKkits providing merchandise to Altrincham and a host of other clubs, Senior has been coaching at Moss Lane for 12 years and will still be involved in kitting the club out and cheering Phil Parkinson's champions on as a fan next season.

Senior, pictured, said: “Following some tough thinking, I have decided to stand down from my role as goalkeeping coach after doing the job for eleven years. During that time, I’ve worked with some quality goalkeepers and like to think I’ve played a part in all of their development and standard of goalkeeping over that time.

"Obviously, Stuart Coburn tops the list, but the likes of Tim Deasy, Josh Ollerenshaw, Russell Saunders, Tony McMillan, Dave Parton and Craig Dootson all had qualities that I like to think I enhanced. This past season, I’d like to think I helped Tony Thompson to be, in my opinion, the best keeper in the division. Statistics says so, fewest goals and most clean sheets!

“This season has been a pleasure, working with Phil Parkinson and his management team, who all made me welcome as new member of their team, having all moved en-bloc from Nantwich Town. Winning the league makes for a perfect swan-song, so after talks with Phil, I made the decision to take a back seat.

"Having said that, I’ll still be seen very regularly at the club dealing with all the kit issues as proprietor of SKkits. I now look forward to next season in the National League North primarily as a supporter of this great club."

Image courtesy of nonleague.pitchero.com

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