Norton steps in for final fixtures

Former boss Gary Norton was back in the hot-seat for the Moatmen following the weekend departure of Damion Beckford-Quailey, pictured, and the EVO-STIK League South club are also looking for a new chairman after Barry North stood down.

In a statement ahead of the Moatmen's 6-0 reverse at the Zeeco Stadium, officials confirmed that North is staying on as a director with the club expected to unveil a new chairman on Friday following a board meeting scheduled for Thursday night.

Norton, who managed Gresley for a decade until 2014, has taken charge for the club's final three fixtures after former St Kitts & Nevis international Beckford-Quailey stood down in the wake of his side's 6-1 home hammering at the hands of Frickley Athletic on Saturday.

Appointed last year as the successor to Gary Ricketts after five years at the helm of Leicester Nirvana, formerly Thurnby Nirvana in the United Counties League, the 38-year-old former international keeper and North were both thanked by officials at the Moat Ground for their efforts.

A spokesperson said: "Having ensured that the club can continue to play at Step Four next season, the Gresley Board wishes to state its tremendous appreciation for Damion's efforts in what has been a very difficult season both on and off the pitch. We wish him all the best in the future.

"The club is also very grateful for Barry's tireless work as one of the founder members of Gresley FC. Working with the manager he ensured that the club will be playing at Step 4 again next season."

Norton, who is being assisted by ex-Gresley captain Carl Slater and reserve team duo Todd Foster and Rich Jarvis, was forced to call up a number of reserves players for their second heavy defeat in 48 hours after a number of first teamers left in the wake of Beckford-Quailey's exit.

He said: "As an existing board member I can assure all of our supporters that we will be doing all we can to ensure we fullfil our remaining first team and reserve obligations and together with Carl, Todd and Richard will be working tirelessly over the coming week to ensure just that.

"The remaining games present an excellent opportunity for some of our reserve and U18 players who are on first team forms to continue their development and show us what they can do. I’m also mindful that our reserve team can also win the league so having Todd and Jarv on board with their knowledge of the reserve squad will be vital with our overall goals in mind."

He added: "The club are in a transitional period at the moment but as we always have we will navigate our way through it over the next week and close season. Thanks as always for your support."

Image courtesy of burtonmail.co.uk/sport

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