Shropshire Star

AFC Bridgnorth appoint John Psaras as new manager

AFC Bridgnorth have appointed John Psaras as their new manager.

Published

The former AFC Telford United assistant boss replaces Mark Clyde, who recently decided to stand down after five years in charge.

The 51-year-old, who runs a fish and chip shop in Bridgnorth, managed Old Wulfrunians Under-18s for the last two years, taking them to the Midland Floodlit Youth League title in the season just gone.

Prior to that he was academy coach at Walsall for 18 years then assistant manager to Andy Sinton at AFC Telford for three years, winning promotion from the National League North, then caretaker manager, before taking Wellington Amateurs to their highest finish in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Psaras, who saw off competition from five other candidates, is bringing Liam Evans with him from Old Wulfs as his assistant boss, while first-team coach Lewis Welch is also staying on, although he was one of the candidates interviewed.

"John is well known in non-league football and has been around the game for many years and was most highly-qualified candidate," said Groome.

"Mark was a celebrity name so replacing him it was important we got a big name and at this level, John is as big as you can get and is also a UEFA coach."

Groome is confident Psaras can continue the good work of Clyde, who has led Bridgnorth to promotion and to the West Midlands League Premier Division runners-up spot in the season just gone.

"Like Mark, John is also keen on bringing through young players which is what we have to try to do," said Groome.

Psaras said: "I'm delighted to accept the job. Having lived in the town since the 1980s, it's a club with a lot of history in the town and I'm looking to build on the solid foundations here.

"I'd be an idiot to bring 15-16 players so hopefully we can keep the squad together without making wholesale changes."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.