NEW Chester FC manager Neil Young admits it was a tough decision to turn his back on Colwyn Bay – but the opportunity to join the resurrected Blues was just too good to turn down.
Young has agreed to take over the reins at the Deva Stadium just weeks after leading Bay into the UniBond League Premier Division with a play-off final victory over Lancaster City.
The highly-regarded young boss could well be managing two steps down the non-league ladder next season if Chester do indeed have to start again in the Vodkat League Premier Division.
But such is the potential of the buoyant Blues, it was a job he just had to accept.
Young, who will bring assistant manager and former Tranmere Rovers player Gary Jones with him, said: “It’s with a heavy heart that today I will be leaving Colwyn Bay. I have had a fantastic 18 months at the club and the win and scenes at Lancaster in the play-off final will live with me forever.
“Myself and Gary would like to thanks the directors and officials of Colwyn Bay for giving us the opportunity to manage such a great club and the fans who I can’t speak highly enough of for the loyal support and kind words during my time as manager.”
As part of the deal to take Young and Jones to the Deva, Chester will travel to Colwyn Bay’s Llanelian Road home for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 10 – which could well be the Blues’ first game since rising from the ashes of the defunct Chester City FC.
Colwyn Bay’s managing director Darren Cartwright, like Young speaking on the North Wales club’s website, said: “It is a huge blow to lose Neil and Gary’s services especially following the euphoria that followed our recent promotion. However, situations change very quickly in football and there are always surprises around the corner.
“We obviously wanted to keep them onboard but Neil explained to me that he saw it as a excellent career opportunity that was on offer, which may never come around again, and you have to respect that.”
See Thursday’s Chester Chronicle for more on Young’s appointment.
