First Team Management Step Down
After eight years as AFC Oldham Men’s First Team Manager Ross Elliott has stepped down following the culmination of the team’s 2021/22 season.
It marks the end of a tenure of that has seen the club go from Division Two to the Premier Division of the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur Football League, including an unbeaten league campaign in 2019/20.
First Team Joint-Manager Andy Steel will also be moving aside, after three years with the First Team.
Ross commented: “8 years ago I took on the role with an ambition of getting us into the Premier Division. With the help of some amazing players and volunteers, we did it, eventually. Our plan was to finish with the team competing at the top of the Prem’ table, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”
“These last 2 seasons have been extremely challenging for grassroots football, we’ve seen other clubs struggling with the commitment and availability of players and unfortunately, we’ve seen lots of teams fold. I’m proud to say that we’ve kept going this season, worked hard and developed some young, talented players in the process. I’m looking forward to seeing the team progress.
“I’m stepping down with some great memories – an unbeaten season, some incredible moments and matches, and loads of laughs with some outstanding players and volunteers.
“AFC Oldham are a brilliant community club and I’m pleased to add that I’ll be staying on the Club Executive Committee. I’ve been here as a player and volunteer for 17 years and I’ve always worked hard on and off the pitch to try and drive us forward. I will be continuing in my role as Media Manager and alongside Andy, I’ll continue to run and develop our Mental Health Football and Mental Health Walking initiatives.”
Andy had this to say: “It wasn’t an easy decision and there have been plenty of moments of doubt, it really has been an overall fantastic experience. We had two successful seasons competing at the top end of league first in Division One and then in the Premier, if COVID hadn’t halted both season we will never know what we could have achieved.
“This season has been tough, though, my hope is that the young players who have come in will take this experience, grow and become assets for the club for years to come. We’re leaving a squad full of potential, who have shown a spirit and fight.
“I’ll continue in my role as Women’s Manager and within the Executive Committee, supporting the next manager in any way I can. I am grateful to all the players who played for us and to Ross for getting me involved, I look forward to see what comes next.”
The Club is delighted that both Andy and Ross are continuing in important roles at AFC Oldham and we’d like to place on record our thanks and gratitude for their hard work and commitment.
AFC Oldham will now be taking applications for the role of Men’s First Team Manager. Please take a look at our Positions Page here.