Kittrick: Thompson brings more to the table (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Kittrick: Thompson brings more to the table

2:25pm Friday 29th May 2009

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Lions boss Steve Kittrick has explained the reasons behind his backroom staff changes.

First-team coach Mark Ellis and assistant manager Wayne Benn will not be returning to their roles, while Phil Thompson has been recruited as Kittrick’s No 2.

The Guiseley boss told the T&A: “We have moved on as a club, there is nothing sinister in that.

“Football clubs up and down the leagues do it every close season.”

Kittrick confirmed that, like neighbours Bradford City, belts had to be tightened in the finance department.

He said: “The decision to let Mark go was purely financial. We simply couldn’t justify having a first team coach.

“With Wayne it was a different situation. The decision was made for the club as a whole.

“Mark’s coaching sessions were first class. We saw the players benefit from his expertise and he is a great character to have around. We will definitely miss him but the budget has been shaved a little and there are casualties, which isn’t something that is only happening in football.

“I worked very closely with Wayne over a long period of time, at Ossett Town before we even came to Guiseley.

“I appreciate what he has done for both clubs and I know he has a lot of contacts and has plenty to offer.

“But believe me Phil will bring even more to the table. He comes in with the title of assistant manager but that doesn’t cover the half of it.

“He was first-team coach at Wakefield last year so that is another reason why it makes financial sense.

“I have known him for 30 years and worked with him at clubs under various roles. He is a character, not everyone’s cup of tea, but he is a good football man. He was director of football at Ossett Town and is up to speed with all the fine detail that needs to be addressed.

“The best way to put it is that Phil will be on hand for a variety of reasons because of his experience in other areas, not just the playing side.

“He will be a big benefit to the club on the clerical side as well as being my assistant and coach.”

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