Funk Commits to Wrens
12th May, 2009
Rainworth Miners Welfare have moved to quash rumours of boss Rudy Funk's departure.
The Wrens manager has been linked with a number of vacant posts at higher levels after he had led the NCEL club to their second promotion in four years.
But, he put an end to all the speculation by signing a new two year deal with a further year's option on Monday night.
Talk has been rife that Funk, whose contract expired at the end of the season, would be a target for, among others, UniBond Division One South clubs Glapwell or Shepshed Dynamo, both of whom have just parted company with their managers.
Chairman Brian Reece publicly announced at Friday's club presentation night that there was no question of the manager moving on to pastures new, and slammed the speculation that had sparked the rumours.
Mr Reece said: "Let's lay this needless idle gossip to rest now and say that neither Rudy Funk nor Billy Millar (assistant manager) will be going anywhere.
"When they came to us four years ago the club had gone through a bad time and only avoided relegation from the Central Midlands Supreme Division because other clubs had failed to meet that league's floodlights rule.
"They said then that their intention was to lead us to the UniBond League, they are now just one step away from fulfilling that promise, and they will be staying to complete the job."
Funk said on Monday: "The future is bright at Rainworth and that's why I think we should stick together and see the job through, so let me emphasise that I had no intention of moving elsewhere.
"There will always be speculation linking a manager who has had success to higher placed clubs, and it's flattering to hear your name mentioned in this manner, but why would I want to move when I have everything I want at Rainworth?
"I have enjoyed very much both the highs and the lows, the tears and the joys, of the past four years. When I look at the infrastructure of the club, the people I work with - both players and behind the scenes staff - and the ground and facilities we have, there is no reason on earth to want to go elsewhere.
"Anyone who knows what football is all about can see how much hard work goes in to making this club successful. I myself am not a quitter and it would be foolish to give what we have achieved at the club to someone else.
"The people who run Rainworth have made it a better organised club than many at higher levels, we have a fabulous bunch of players, and who in their right mind would want to walk away from that?
"The only incentive would be money, and that is one thing which has never played a major part in my life. Being happy doing what you are doing is much more important to me than money, and if, as I am, you are happy at home, happy at work, and happy at your football club, what more does anyone want above that?
"In four years Billy and I have built something very special at Rainworth, and we look forward to continuing to build and progress for many more years to come."
(Story Source: Rainworth Miners Welfare)
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