Shropshire Star

Bridgnorth close to naming their new boss

AFC Bridgnorth are set to appoint a new manager within the next few days – as outgoing boss Mark Clyde announced he is to return to Northern Ireland.

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Clyde and club secretary Steve Groome have interviewed six candidates who have expressed a serious interest in the position and have one more to see.

Former Wolves and Northern Ireland defender Clyde is stepping down and will leave the area, returning to his native country in September to deal with a family illness.

"The club has had interest from half a dozen serious contenders and they're the only ones who have been interviewed, which has been going on in the last few days," said Clyde.

"I haven't got the final say, but I'd imagine they'd make a decision as soon as possible so they can start planning for pre-season.

"There hasn't been an abundance of people willing to take the job, which is disappointing, but that may be based on a few things and few people are keen to come to a club with no budget.

"People aren't as confident in their ability when there isn't a budget. But the ones who have put their names forward are confident enough in their own ability to do the job without a budget, which is encouraging."

Regarding the quality of applicants, Clyde said: "It's been an interesting process for me speaking to different people with different strengths."

He believes the position offers the chance to push the club forwards after guiding them to runners-up spot in the West Midlands League Premier Division, adding: "In footballing terms, it's got everything needed to be a successful club.

"At the moment, things are going well on the pitch after a good season and it's good for the youngsters in the town who are involved.

"But it's important for people in the town to get behind the club in terms of sponsorship."

Meanwhile, Clyde is hoping to stay in the game when he returns to Northern Ireland.

"I'm speaking to a couple of people about the possibility of being involved in football at a couple of different levels," he said.

And he is leaving with a heavy heart after almost two decades in England. The father-of-four, whose children are all school age, will depart when his wife qualifies as a midwife.

"It's not nice to leave when you're in the middle of something, but the decision was right for us as a family," he said.

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