Former Hucknall Town player Tris Whitman returns as new manager

Whitman was appointed this week after four years at the helm of Stapleford Town along with another ex-Yellows player Aaron Large as his assistant following the recent departure of boss Reece Limbert.

Whitman was an interested spectator at Tuesday night's 2-1 away defeat at Newark & Sherwood United – a game overseen by caretaker boss Chris Galley who then elected to leave the club.

“Tonight was a great chance to meet the lads personally and get to see them play,” said Whitman.

“The game was very even, with Hucknall probably shading things in terms of possession and chances.

“We deservedly took a 1-0 lead and, at that point, momentum was with us.

“Sherwood started to look more threatening as the game went on and started to threaten in behind which resulted in them scoring from two situations from wide areas.

“We looked deflated to surrender the lead though still had some moments, but it wasn’t to be.

“It was good to have a chat personally with players after the game and everyone is looking forward to training this Thursday in preparation for Saturday's game away at Lincoln.”

On his appointment, he said: I am excited to be appointed as the new manager of Hucknall Town FC.

“This is a club with a rich history and a club I know personally from being a player during the 2010/11 season.

“I have a strong commitment and desire to build a team that reflects the values of this club and that can become competitive to challenge at this level and beyond - something I know the supporters and everyone involved at the club wishes for.

“I would like to place on record my utmost gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved at Stapleford Town FC, where I enjoyed great success ultimately resulting in promotion to step 6.

"I had an amazing four years working at the club, meeting lots of special people and wish them every success in the future.”

Whitman's other previous clubs are Doncaster Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Crawley Town, and Tamworth.

A UEFA B-qualified coach, he also has a wealth of experience in the professional game at academy level as a coach, including Notts County, Nottingham Forest and, presently, at Derby County.

His coaching experience has taken him to Linby Colliery, Underwood Villa and Stapleford Town.

Large has had an extensive playing career which also includes Alfreton Town, Arnold Town, Basford United, Carlton Town, Dunkirk, West Bridgford, Clifton and Stapleford.

He has also had Academy coaching roles at NFFC (part time), Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County academy (fulltime) as well as the assistant manager's role at Sherwood Colliery.

He now leads the new Steven Gerrard Academy Site in Nottingham and is a UEFA - A qualified coach.

Large said: “I am pleased to be joining Hucknall as assistant manager, working alongside Tris.

“Hucknall have a proud history, strong foundations and dedicated supporters with clear ambitions for the future. I’m ready to contribute to the club’s continued success.

“I’m here to support Tris in building a team that represents Hucknall’s values and to help deliver exciting competitive football at the club.

“We’re prepared for the challenges ahead and eager to get started.

“We look forward to meeting the squad, collaborating with the dedicated management staff and connecting with our supporters.

“Together, I’m confident we can make a real impact.”

Hucknall had been interviewing for the post and a club spokesman said: “After a tight but rigorous interview process we felt that Tris and Aaron had the necessary mix of experience, man management skills and a shared vision for what we are trying to achieve at the club, both short, medium and long term.”

At Newark & Sherwood, the Yellows couldn’t build on Brad Wells’ cross-cum-shot midway through the second half and were undone in the space of 10 minutes by two quickfire Newark goals for another disappointing evening on the road in the end.

Last Saturday at Harrowby United, Hucknall could not convert their second half dominance into all three points and had to settle for just the one point in the end with a 0-0 draw.

Brad Wells and Dillon Rawson both saw efforts be denied by the crossbar in a competitive yet frustrating afternoon.

Galley was in charge of the side for both games as caretaker manager, having been assistant manager this season and for a period of time last season.

However, after the midweek game, he departed the club.

“It is with a tint of sadness that I have made the tough decision to leave Hucknall,” he said.

“I spoke to Tris and Largey who made it clear they wanted me to stay.

“But I feel strongly that it needs a fresh start, fresh eyes and opinions to move this fantastic club forward.

“I have loved managing again and am very proud to have led this squad for a short period of time.”

Galley added that he was grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the squad that helped the club stay up last season and will be looking to get back into football management should the right opportunity arise in the future.

Long standing coach Darren Jubb has agreed to remain at the club to assist Whitman and Large while Marcus Verney will remain in his physio role.

Louis Minney is also joining the coaching staff from Stapleford Town where he worked with the manager previously.