Kidsgrove Athletic Assistant Manager Dave Riley has stepped down from his role at the Autonet Insurance Stadium.
Riley joined the club in the close season arriving after Josh Brehaut had departed due to promotion at his workplace, Stoke City where he works within the academy.
The Grove was Riley’s first job in football after leaving Abbey Hulton United in December 2018 for personal reasons with the Abbey sitting 3rd in the North West Counties Football having made the step up from the Staffordshire Senior Counties League.
Riley said: “It’s disappointing and it’s something I couldn’t foresee happening when I joined.
“I’ve done some coaching with Manchester City and, my boys are doing well on the football side so at the minute I’m just travelling up and down the country and find it all very hard to fit in.
“I’m in Manchester on a Saturday morning and, then travelling south, it’s hard enough getting back to Kidsgrove on time.
“Had it been last season then it would have been ideal as I would have been up there and, then just travelled onto the away game.
“I want to thank Ryan Austin for the opportunity as well as the players and staff for how welcomed they made me feel during my time with the club. I wish them all the best going forward.”
First team manager Ryan Austin said he understood the decision taken by Riley to step down as Assistant Manager.
He said: “I would like to thank Dave for his efforts and, what he has done for the club.
“He’s worked tirelessly for us since joining the backroom team in the close season. However, he’s decided to take a step back due to family and work commitments and, I respect that because they’ve always got to come first.”
Kidsgrove Athletic are back in action tomorrow afternoon when they welcome Belper Town to the Autonet Insurance Stadium in the BetVictor Northern Premier League S/East Division. Kickoff for that game is 3 pm. Although the club has announced that a pitch inspection will take place tomorrow at 11 am to make sure the tie can go ahead.
