Gibbons earns chance to carry on

Gibbons, who took the helm as caretaker in February following Bill Prendergast's decision to step aside to concentrate on developing Boro's youth and development programmes, was unveiled as the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club's new boss on Friday.

Prendergast's former assistant manager was offered the chance to take over on a permanent basis ahead of Saturday's last game of the season at home to Prescot Cables at Taurus Park following a meeting of the club's board on Thursday night.

Radcliffe Borough chairman Paul Hilton believes Gibbons will give the club the much-needed stability required to push on with the developments planned for the close season and beyond after showing his qualities to secure their EVO-STIK NPL status over the final months of the campaign.

Gibbons has now been tasked with building the squad for next season and in a statement confirming the appointment, a delighted Hilton said: “Following a series of meetings it was clear to the board that Joe has the ability and qualities that we are looking for in a manager.

"We have had the pleasure of getting to know him over the last few months and we are confident that he will take the club forward in a way that aligns with our vision and plan for development on and off the field."

He added: "We are all excited and now looking forward to next season and what the future will bring under his stewardship.”

Image courtesy of Onion Bag Matchday Photos/radcliffeboro.com

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