Shaun Airey Returns to Bridge End As First Team Manager
Settle United Football Club have confirmed that Shaun Airey will return to Bridge End to takeover the role of first team manager with immediate effect, after a hugely successful semi-professional career. The former Barnoldswick Town, Silsden AFC and Thackley FC player is to be joined by assistant Danny Bathers, who recently managed the first team in a joint-manager capacity.
Best known for his distinguished playing career in the North East & North West Counties Divisions and Shaun has forged a reputation as one of the finest centre halves within the counties leagues for well over a decade. He has taken the role on an initial 18 month commitment, decided to call time on his playing career at Silsden AFC to pursue a fresh challenge in management and return to his hometown club on what looks like a very exciting time to be part of our ambitious plans.
Shaun is no stranger to management with Settle United AFC having previously managed the club between 2012 – 2014, where he lead the club to silverware in the 2013/14 West Riding County Trophy an achievement which has to go down as the biggest in the clubs history. Airey and Bathers begin preparations immediately for our next fixture away to Rock Rovers on Saturday 5th February in Earby.
Chairman Craig Dinsdale said, “We are delighted Shaun accepted the role when we offered him it and we are sure he will bring that level of experience to take the club forward up the football pyramid. He knows how to win football matches and will help to bring his knowledge of the semi-professional game to Bridge End. Working alongside Danny is a great partnership and we’re excited for what is to come.
I must thank Tom Strickland for what he has done over the past few years in the managers role, he has worked tirelessly to develop this club on and off the pitch and he has set the foundations for Shaun and Danny to progress further. Tom is a huge part of the squad and can now enjoy focussing on bagging plenty of goals as a player for the club.”
Chadwick Media 