Bowers & Pitsea manager James Collins appoints Steve O'Boyle as his new assistant

BOWERS & PITSEA manager James Collins has appointed Steve O’Boyle as his assistant manager today.

The Essex based outfit finished in fourth-place in the Isthmian League Division One North last season and play-off wins over Felixstowe & Walton United (4-2 on penalties after 2-2 draw) and Brentwood Town (3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw) sealed promotion into the Isthmian League Premier Division.

“It’s a huge coup for me to be able to add the quality and experience of Boyley,” said Collins in a statement.

“Steve gave me my first job in senior football as his reserve team manager at Erith Town.  He took a chance on me and I will forever be grateful for that.

“Boyley’s record speaks for itself and you will certainly struggle to come across a more passionate, hard-working man.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and I am certain he will be a great asset to myself and the club.”

O’Boyle kept Phoenix Sports in the Isthmian League South East Division last season, finishing in sixteenth-place of a 20-club division, having picked up 38 points (10 wins, eight draws and 20 defeats) from 38 games.

O’Boyle announced his shock departure from the club on 8 May.  The club have since appointed Keith McMahon as their manager.

“I’ve known James for a very long time and have a close friendship with him.  We speak on a regular basis and always follow each other’s results,” added O’Boyle.

“I listened to the commentary of the Play-Off Final whilst away on holiday and was extremely nervous when it went to penalties.

“I was so happy for James when the team won the shoot-out and was promoted back to the Isthmian Prem. 

“I know how hard he has worked to make this happen.   Play-Offs are great for the neutral but as a manager they’re torture.

“I won promotion via the Play-Off’s a year ago, so can understand what James was going through on Play-Off Final day.

“After leaving my manager’s role at Phoenix at the end of the season, I wondered what would be next for me in football.

“James and myself have spoken a great deal in the last couple of weeks about me coming in to help him out.

“For me, the attraction of stepping up a division was a big reason why I wanted to team up with James again.

“I can’t wait to get going now and making sure we as a club have a good season. James knows he can trust me 100% and as an assist I’m here to hopefully make his life easier.  Roll on pre-season and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at the club.”

Phoenix Sports, meanwhile, have confirmed that their 42-year-old goalkeeper Andy Walker has left the club today.

Visit Bowers & Pitsea’s website: www.bowerspitseafc.co.uk