Bamf stands down so Stan stands up at Main
29th May, 2021
Maltby Main have announced a change of assistant manager with John Stancliffe replacing Dean Bamforth to work alongside Louis Axcell as preparations continue for the 2021/22 season.
Bamforth, known as "Bamf" at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club, had signalled his intention to step down soon after the previous campaign was curtailed, in order that the Muglet Lane side had plenty of time to find a replacement.
A club statement said: "It was always going to be a reluctant grant of his wish by Louis, but he goes with a massive handshake and thanks for the laughs and fun he brought to the club during a Covid hit season, a frustrating season for us all.
"Bamf is the kind of football man you need around and it was always a pleasure to chat to him and he's as quick as you'd like with a quick witted comment - banter at its best.
"Watching him on the sidelines during a game is a fun watch - and listen - in itself!
"He hasn't left to go to another team; but if he does in the future, we wish him all the best."
His successor is someone who is very familiar to everyone at the club - John Stancliffe is a former player and it is the second time he will have been assistant manager there.
He was goalkeeping coach and understudy to Spencer Fearn whilst playing some games as second choice keeper during his two years with the club in the mid 2010s.
Most recently, he has been involved at Frickley Athletic and AFC Mansfield but says he is "very pleased to be back" at the Miners.
Stancliffe added: "It's a club I have always respected and I always hoped one day I would be back and, once I spoke to Louis, I knew it was right for me to come back.
"I know we are going to have a great working relationship and, with the legend Jamie Bailey, a very strong managerial set up.
"We will be ready for the new season and all the challenges that come our way."
(Story Source: Maltby Main)
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