Champions FC Bolsover unveil new managers and chairman

It is all change again at Central Midlands League North champions FC Bolsover.

Founder and chairman Cliff Richard Thomas, who took over the management reins to guide the club to a remarkable title win in the last few weeks of the season, has stood down.

Thomas has been succeeded by his son, Benjamin Thomas.

Andy Bridgewater, a former player and coach, and Jonney Rushby, committee member and manager of Sunday side FC United of Bolsover, will be the new management team.

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They worked alongside Cliff Thomas as FC Bolsover staged a fine comeback to pip local rivals Clay Cross to the title.

A statement on the club’s website said: “The founder of the club feels the time is right for him to step down and hand it over to Benjamin Thomas.

“The challenge he set himself was to win the title is now achieved. The time is right as he embarks on another challenge.

“He wishes the players and staff at Bolsover all the best and states the new chairman is young, ambitious, hungry and determined for success.”

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A further statement announcing the new chairman added said: “Ben is business orientated, a great man-manager and will instill his own ideals into the new chapter FC Bolsover is about to embark on.

“Ben has already met with his committee members to forge new ideas for the coming season and to grow the club in the community.”

When then chairman Cliff Thomas, Bridgewater and Rushby took charge of the team after the resignation of Jordan Hall, John Styring and Mark Higginbottom on Easter Monday, FC Bolsover were seven points behind Clay Cross with three games remaining.

They won all three, including a 5-1 victory over the leaders, to set up a terrific last day.

FC Bolsover thumped Phoenix 11-0 while Clay Cross conceded two late goals at Collingham to go down 5-4 and spark wild celebrations for the new club.

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