A FOOTBALL club has appointed an experienced first-team manager with a "similar vision" in a bid to kick on this season.
Whitchurch United say they are "pleased" to announce the appointment of Ben Dillon as the club's first team manager ahead of the next home match against Romsey Town tonight, October 4 kicking off at 7.45pm.
Dillon, 36, brings a wealth of experience having managed teams from the age of 23 with his most recent experience as first team manager of Tadley Calleva in the Combined Counties Football League, step 5 of the English football pyramid.
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During Ben's Tadley management debut season 21/22, he guided them to a mid-table position after being bottom of the table after the first 10 fixtures.
This was followed in the 22/23 season with a squad rebuild, ultimately seeing them finish an impressive 8th.
Prior to his management roles, Ben played football to a high standard himself having spent his youth with AFC Bournemouth before spending 3 years at Basingstoke and later becoming top scorer for Hartley Wintney whilst securing team promotion.
Having played a pivotal role in the process of promotion, Ben was promptly offered the managers role at the age of 23.
After three years in his management debut role, whilst also continuing to play football himself in various roles, he took over at Badshot Lea and later Tadley Calleva before travel and work proved the job to be a difficult challenge.
Ben now begins an exciting new chapter as Whitchurch United's first team manager supported by his assistant Barrie Awberry, with the squad hitting the ground running, with Ben leading his first exciting training session last night, October 3.
The club is inviting readers down to Longmeadow Sports Centre tonight to cheer the Whitchurch United "Jam Boys" on against Romsey Town and wish Ben luck in success.
On Ben's appointment, Whitchurch United's Chairman, Mat Snelling, said: "We are thrilled to have Ben and his team onboard.
"It was clear from our initial conversations that we shared a similar vision for the club moving forward.
"Ben brings experience, knowledge and an impressive football pedigree with him, we are looking forward to working together."
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