Perhaps not surprisingly, Larkhall Athletic have unveiled John Durbin as their new first-team manager. And the gaffer says he is proud to have been entrusted with the role.
John Durbin is the new manager of Larkhall Athletic. Here he celebrates their win over Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday 27th December, during his spell as interim boss | Photo © Phil Scovell
Durbin took charge of the side on an interim basis in December – following the resignation of boss Ollie Price after four years at the helm – and led them to three wins from three games in Pitching In Southern League Division One South.
Bideford were beaten 3-0 at The Sports Ground on Saturday 20th December, visitors Bristol Manor Farm were overcome 3-2 a week later and Melksham Town were defeated 2-1 away on Saturday 3rd January.
Athletic advertised the manager’s position last month, applications closing on Monday 29th December.
And on Friday 9th January, the Camella Stadium club announced that, after “a thorough and in-depth process to appoint our new first-team manager”, Durbin had been handed the hot seat.
Before arriving at Plain Ham last summer, as assistant to Price, Durbin had been coach at Manor Farm and Brislington, manager at Hengrove Athletic – who he led to their highest league finish, ninth in the Western Premier Division in the 2017-18 campaign – and joint boss at Shepton Mallet and Paulton Rovers.
Of his new job, Durbin said: “I’m delighted and proud to be appointed as first-team manager.
“Since joining the club in the summer, I’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome by the leadership team, players and fans.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by the culture and set-up here and I’m proud to be given the opportunity to lead a football club that’s in a period of growth, both on and off the pitch.
“We’ve all worked hard to stabilise the club over the past three weeks, during a period of change, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been put in place.
“A massive thank you to the football leadership team for their transparency and openness during the process and also for entrusting me to push the football club towards an exciting future.”
Larkhall director of football Andy Gilbert praised Durbin – and the players for responding so well following Price’s exit.
Gilbert said: “Durbs has made a significant impact since joining the club at the start of the season as assistant manager.
“During the recruitment process, Durbs stepped in to lead the team, and I have been fortunate to work closely with him throughout this period.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the way the team has been set up and structured, which has played a key role in the positive results and performances we’ve seen in recent weeks.
“Those results and performances have given the football leadership team the time needed to review all available options carefully, ensuring we appointed the best candidate for the role.
“I’d like to thank the players for their response, attitude and commitment over the last few weeks, and I look forward to seeing how the team continues to progress under John’s leadership.”
Durbin’s reign as permanent manager got off to a perfect start, as the Larks won yet again in the league – when they visited neighbours Westbury United on Saturday 10th January. Athletic prevailed 1-0 – look out later this week for our match report.
Also perhaps not surprisingly, Price was installed as boss of uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division club Mangotsfield United – who he managed previously – over the New Year.
Price was appointed by the South Gloucestershire outfit following the resignation of gaffer Glyn Ashton on Tuesday 30th December.
Ashton had intended to quit at the end of the campaign, but decided to step down earlier than planned in order for Price to come in.
Ashton said: “Taking into consideration that I’d be finishing at the end of this season, I made it clear to the club recently that if the right manager became available we should make the change now rather than waiting until the end of the season, as a change now might just give us the extra impetus we need and maybe we could still force our way into play-off contention and win some silverware too.
“I believe there’s still a lot to play for this season and I believe we’ve made the right choice in manager for the benefit of both the short-term and long-term ambitions of the team.”
Price made a winning start by guiding the Mangos to a 3-0 success at Pershore Town on Saturday 3rd January.
But his first home game in charge ended in disappointment, Droitwich Spa recording a 1-0 victory at the Paul Sellick Brickwork Stadium on Saturday 10th January.
