Page 25 - Yate Town FC v North Leigh 070123

In Town today

Much of 2020 and 2021 has seen North Leigh consolidate and safeguard the club’s
future during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has worked hard to ensure the club
remains on a sound financial footing, whilst where possible working hard to
continue modernising and ensuring the club is in a positive position for the
resumption of competitive football for the 2021/22 season. There is an optimistic
and confident feeling around the club, and everyone associated is extremely
excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, both on and off the field.
Season 2021/22 was a historic season for the Millers; Manager Eddie Odhiambo, in
his first season of football management, lead his side to promotion via the play-offs
and brought Step 3 football to Eynsham Park for the first time in the club’s history.
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The club’s play-off place secured despite finishing 6 and only confirmed after the
last game of the season as Welwyn Garden City were excluding as a result of
ground grading complications. Semi-Final victory on the road at Berkhamsted and
victory at Ware in the final thanks to two injury time goals from journeyman striker
Jefferson Louis. What a season!! Unbeaten in Oxfordshire derby matches, 2
defeats on the road all season, Oxon Senior Cup Semi-Finalists; all that was missing
was a cup run in the FA Competitions!! The club very much looks forward to its
debut Step 3 season.

1 Team Management / Coaching Staff
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Craig Dore director of football
Played for Oxford United and Oxford City during his on-field career. Before joining
the Millers at the start of the 2018/19 season, he coached various youth teams at
Oxford City. In his inaugural season of men’s football management, he guided
North Leigh to Southern League survival on the final day, with a sensational 3-3
draw against league champions Peterborough Sports securing survival. The
following year he guided the Millers to a vastly more comfortable mid-table
position, pushing towards the playoffs before the season was curtailed due to
Covid. Dore now takes up a role overseeing all football related activities at the club,
covering all age groups and teams. Following the departure of Millers manager
Eddie Odhiambo, Dore now steps into the hot-seat for the interim period.
Chris Allen manager
A former England under-21 international midfielder, he started his career at Oxford
United helping to send the club on their way back to the First Division in 1995–96.
He then signed with Nottingham Forest for a and played 26 Premier League games
for them. He retired from playing in 2010, having helped North Leigh win
promotion from the Hellenic Football League in 2007–08 season. Steps into the
Miller First Team manager role mid-way through the 22/23 season and will look to
guide the club to survival in its debut Step 3 season.
John Parrot gk coach
John first joined the club a few years back during Craig Dore’s tenure as Millers
Manager. After departing early last season he now returns to the First Team fold
to once again work with number one Adam North. He brings with him a wealth of
keeper coaching knowledge and will undoubtedly push Northy and his understudy