LONG-SERVING Worcester Raiders manager Karl Gormley will continue his association with the Sixways side, despite stepping down as manager.
Chairman Steve Harris confirmed the news in a statement on Tuesday (December 12) and lavished praise on the gaffer who he hailed as ‘more than your average manager’.
Under Gormley, Raiders have risen from playing in front of of ‘one man and his dog at Claines Lane’ according to Harris to a stadium at Sixways and last season’s top four finish in the Hellenic League.
And the Raiders chairman was the first to thank the club’s talisman for all his efforts, not just as manager but a ‘pillar of the club and community over the past several years.
“It’s a very sad day for Worcester Raiders, it’s a decision Karl has not taken lightly and has been thinking about for some time now,” Harris said.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Karl since the days of us playing at Claines Lane in front of one man and his dog, he wears his heart on sleeve and is a passionate guy, I know his decision is one which has not been easy for him.”
“Karl has been an integral part of the club since taking charge, earning himself a glowing reputation as a man who has given everything to the progress and journey this amazing club has been on. It’s fair to say the touchline and club won’t be the same.
“He is more than just your average manager, he’s done so much for this club on and off the field, whilst seeing the club rise though the leagues – to our time playing at Sixways.
“He will be a massive loss for the club, he has done so much fund-raising for local charities and been involved with so many local junior teams, and the community is in his blood.
“I’m sure all Raiders fans will be in massive shock, but Karl will still be involved with certain aspects of the club going forward and will be around match days supporting the team.”
A trip to promotion-chasing Corsham Town awaits the Raiders tomorrow (Saturday) in the first game of the post Gormley era for the Sixways outfit (kick off 3pm).
City on the road for Vase clash
Meanwhile Worcester City will be hoping its third time lucky against Boston Town tomorrow in their third attempt to play their FA Vase clash.
Postponements at Claines Lane due to a frozen and then waterlogged pitch mean the tie has now been moved to Boston’s Mortgages for You Stadium (kick off 3pm)
Chris Cornes men go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw at Fairford Town on Tuesday (December 12).
The result leaves City top of the Hellenic League, three points clear of Corsham Town with two games in hand.