Club keep faith as Smith steps up

Former player and assistant manager Gavin Smith was named as manager on Monday morning after helping caretaker boss Chris Dolby secure the club's status in the Northern Premier League over the final months of the EVO-STIK League South campaign following the departure of Mark Shaw in March.

Smith enjoyed an illustrious playing career at Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End and went on to ply his trade in Non-League at Gainsborough Trinity, Bradford Park Avenue, Worksop Town and Sheffield FC before moving into coaching and management.

After previously working alongside former manager Dolby as his number two between 2008 and 2010, Smith will be assisted by Russ Eagle who will also take charge of the club's U18s Sunday squad and talented midweek U19s.

Former player and fans' favourite Kirk Jackson has also been recruited as first team coach. According to a statement from Sheffield FC secretary Bill Towning confirming the appointments, Jackson is "relishing the challenge of keeping the team fit and raring to go" ahead of the 2018-19 EVO-STIK League East campaign.

The trio will be supported by Dolby who has taken on the role of director of football and will also continue to head the successful Sheffield FC Foundation while working with local schools and colleges to promote the world's oldest football club.

John Williams, already an advisor to Club for several years in his capacity as lead coach of Sheffield FC's Women’s Super League side and men’s academy squads, was also unveiled as the new head of player development at The BT Local Stadium.

Images courtesy of @Sheffieldfc/Twitter

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