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New Banbury United First Team Manager feels this is the right project for him
13/05/2024
Simon Hollyhead is impressed with the club’s heritage and community feel
Banbury United has appointed a new First Team Manager. Simon Hollyhead joins the Puritans as the club begins the process of rebuilding following relegation from the National league North.
Mr Hollyhead lives in Warwick, but previously held the role of Assistant Manager at Sweedish Champions League side Malmö FC from 2010-14. He also spent time in Norway with SK Brann and Denmark with Odense.
In the UK he was Assistant Manager at Stevenage FC in 2018.
The role at Banbury United will fit in around his full-time position as the Head of Elite Sport at Northampton Academy, where for the last three years he has been responsible for maximising the performance of talented young athletes.
Mr Hollyhead said: “I have been in and around all levels of the UK football pyramid since returning to the UK in 2021, including some consultancy to Step 2 and Step 3 teams.
“I decided to prioritise my family at weekends after they dutifully followed me around Scandinavia for seven years. I have been approached for a return to management on several occasions, but the right project has never quite reared its head.
“When I saw the vacancy at Banbury United, I thought: this is it! I have thought of nothing else for three weeks!
“My enthusiasm is heavily based on feedback from the due diligence I’ve conducted on Banbury United, having spoken with various contacts, including ex-players of the Club. I also watched the last home game and was very impressed with the Club’s heritage and community feel.”
Wayne Farrell, Chairman of Banbury United FC said: “The quality of candidates for this role was absolutely outstanding. Along with his top-level football management credentials and incredibly deep knowledge and experience, Simon presented an exceedingly thorough multi-year plan for Banbury United. He unanimously impressed the recruitment panel with his team and player connections that are relevant to this level, his strategy for recruitment and player management, and match strategy.
“It’s hard not to say how lucky we feel attracting a manager of Simon’s calibre. Our 2024-25 season signings have got off to a great start!”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam