Family focus behind departure

Townsley, pictured, will be missing from Borough Park on Saturday when the Reds host EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division leaders Rushall Olympic after standing down with immediate effect on Wednesday night.

Officials at Borough Park say the news came as a shock although it was one they knew he'd been considering for a number of weeks. In a statement paying tribute to 'Degsy', the club said football had been a welcome respite after the sad loss of his father recently but other ongoing family illness had prompted him to make the break.

The club said: "The Board of Directors would like to put on record their appreciation for all the hard work and enthusiasm Derek has put in over the last two and half years, and in playing an important role helping the club reach the play-offs for the last two entertaining seasons.

"We wish him well in the future and look forward to welcoming him back to Borough Park as our guest and supporter in the months and years ahead."

A former player under Tommy Cassidy in 2007, he returned to the Cumbrian club in 2014 as number two to new manager Gavin Skelton. After taking over last term following Skelton's exit, Townsley reverted to general manager this term to work alongside new joint managers David Hewson and Lee Andrews.

With Hewson and Andrews at the helm, Townsley told the club's fans he was looking forward to returning when he could and backed the duo to make an impact on the course of the top flight season before the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and feel proud to be associated with our moderate success over the last two seasons. I certainly don’t feel I’m deserting a sinking ship because I still think we can make an impact on the Premier Division at the business end of the season.

“I know we have suffered some disappointments in the last few seasons but, overall, they have been outweighed by the good times and I strongly believe the squad can deliver again. They are a talented group and still have much to offer.”

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