Experienced hand takes the tiller

The former head of commercial and marketing at Chesterfield and member of the commercial team at Scunthorpe United, pictured, was unveiled by the Vikings at their Victoria Pleasure Grounds on Tuesday.

Nichols told fans his first priority would be bringing stability a week after the demise of Ilkeston FC saw the club handed a reprieve from relegation by the Football Association for the 2017-18 EVO-STIK NPL First Division North season after their second from bottom finish to the last campaign.

Nichols, who also served as chairman of Barton Town Old Boys for season 2014-15, said: "I am delighted to be appointed chief executive at Goole AFC and look forward to helping the club stabilise following a difficult season last term.

"After speaking to Steve [Shorthouse] and Craig [Whincup] I share their vision to help the club grow both on and off the field and to create a platform for the club's future. I feel there is great potential here and I will do everything I can to realise that. My background is in commercial and it is there that I believe I can offer guidance and direction whilst also ensuring that all aspects of the club are being pieced together for success."

He added: "As a town, Goole needs to sustain football at as high a level as possible and I hope that the people in the town will notice the good work going on behind the scenes and come out in force once more when the season commences."

A Vikings spokesman said: "We have been looking for someone of Rich's experience for some time now in an effort to promote our club, both on and off the field in a more professional manner. Rich will initially be working alongside our existing board of directors to help with the commercial side of the business and will then further help with the development and expansion of our club in the near future."

The spokesman added: "Welcome Rich and we hope that all of our sponsors, old and new, together with everyone in the town, gives you the support required."

Image courtesy of gooleafc.com

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