ASHVILLE FC Ashville FC confirm Steve Scott as their new manager
Ashville Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Steven Scott as our new first team manager. Steven replaces the departing Gary Jones who stepped down as manager on Monday evening. Ste initially joined Ashville in March, being brought in as Gary’s assistant with his first appearance on the touchline being the pivotal 1-0 win away at Brocton. The former Bootle manager brings with him a wealth of experience as both a player and manager, having spent time at Everton, Manchester City and Oldham Athletic before dropping into non-league with Bootle and Warrington Town. The 42 year old first dipped his toes into management with Waterloo GSOB between 2009 & 2010 before taking a break from football. Steven returned to the game with FC Bootle in 2015 and stayed with the club until 2023. Scotty, as he’s affectionately known, started turning heads after taking FC Bootle from park football all the way to the West Cheshire League division 1 in the space of three years. During this time at the Green army he took the club on a 52 game unbeaten run in the league which was, ironically, ended by Ashville. When asked about how he made the jump to Ashville, Steven had this to say; “The late, great Steve Murphy contacted me about the job some time ago when he was in charge after Pete Nielsen’s departure, however the timing wasn’t right and the club had another great option in Gary, who was the right fit”. The former Everton youngster continued, “I’ve always had huge respect for the club, for how they conducted themselves more than anything. The pride in their history and it’s clear how much everyone at Ashville loves the club through and through, something which resonates with me completely”. Ste also touched on his departure from FC Bootle and his subsequent break away from football saying; “I left FC Bootle at the end of 22/23 with the club in a great position although, for one reason or another, I just didn’t find the right opportunity elsewhere”. He continued; “In truth I was almost content not being back in the game when Renno (Peter Reynolds, Ashville Chairman) contacted me via Ian White to talk about coming in for the last ten games as some support for Gary. Together we managed to put together enough wins to stop the unthinkable from happening and enable the club to move forward, which is obviously really important” Having spent some time with the squad towards the end of the season, Steven gave the following assessment; The character within the squad here is top drawer in my opinion and there’s plenty of ability to go with it. I’ll of course look to build on that but the focus for me will always be about the group, not an individual. A group that cares about one another and the Ashville badge they represent”. Steven was quick to fill the vacant assistant manager role, bringing in his good friend and former professional, Glynn Hurst. Glynn played over 300 games in the EFL with Barnsley, Swansea City, Mansfield Town, Stockport County, Chesterfield, Notts County, Shrewsbury Town and Bury. Glynn also spent time in non-league with Gainsborough Trinity, Hyde and FC United Of Manchester. The former Tottenham Hotspur apprentice also spent time north of the border in Scotland with Ayr United. Hurst also brings with him experience at international level having made 5 appearances for South Africa Under 23’s. Hurst retired in 2011 and after an extended break from the game, took his first managerial role in 2020 taking charge of fellow NWCFL side Ashton Town. Upon appointing Glynn Hurst as his assistant Scotty had this to say; “Initially I’ll be bringing Glynn Hurst in with me as Assistant Manager. Glynn is an ex pro with bags of experience, whose a top coach and his sides have always been known to have a great understanding of the game”. The new manager also hinted there may be more additions to the coaching team on the way; “In time I’m hoping there will be another addition or two to the backroom team and it’s important to me to keep a close connection with our under 21’s side who’ve had two excellent seasons and produced a number of players for the first team”. ‘Scotty’ also showed his gratitude for those who helped to bring him into the club; “I’ve only been at the club for a short time and in truth I couldn’t have expected half the welcome I received from all at the club, especially Gary, whose openness and trust was incredible to me when I came in initially and it just showed why he’s had the career he has and I’m grateful for that and wish him every success. A big thank you to Ian White for keeping in contact with me over the past couple of years, he’s been a brilliant sounding board and he’s a great fella”. Ste also thanked the board and our club founder and president, John Dennett; “Of course a big thanks to Renno, Ray Reid, Phil and all those at the club who I’ve been lucky enough to meet so far, including the great John Dennett. If we can show the same effort and commitment to the club as you do, we won’t go far wrong”. Steven also took time to say hello to the Ashville faithful; “First & foremost I’m looking forward to meeting you all, I know you’ll back the team regardless as you always have. All I can say is we’ll give it everything to bring success to the club and I’m certain we will whilst conducting ourselves in a way that best represents you and this great club. Up The Villa!”
