There’s been a number of changes behind the scenes at Worksop Town during the past ten days, manager Craig Parry moving to replace the recently departed assistant manager Craig Rouse, to Pontefract Collieries.

The Pitching In Northern Premier League South/East Division side, who were sixth when the 2020/21 campaign came to a recent, abrupt halt, have made a number of changes which includes Luke Jeffs replacing Rouse as assistant manager, Mark Whitehouse becoming head coach, James Baxendale taking on the role of player-coach, and the arrival of the Graham brothers, Sam and Shaun, the duo strengthening the scouting network of the Tigers.

Talking to the clubs’ official website the new assistant manager, Luke Jeffs, spoke of his honour in taking on a new role, strengthening a bond he possesses with manager, Craig Parry.

“I am honoured to be given the chance by Craig to be able to step up into the assistant manager role vacated by Craig [Rouse], who I wish all the best for the future,” Jeffs told worksoptownfc.com.

“I see this as a really good opportunity for me to work this closely with Craig.

“As Craig mentioned, a big thing in football and life is trust, and there aren’t many more people that I trust as much as Craig.

“It is a great opportunity here at Worksop because I can just see where things are going both on and off the pitch, and it is going to be a really exciting place to be around.

“I probably don’t think I am as vocal as Craig; I am probably more of a quiet word in his ear type of assistant manager.

“I like to analyse things and think about things, so I think that works quite well and it has worked whilst Craig and I have been at different clubs.

“However, on the same token, I will come forward if something needs to be said, and this will be something you see from me going forward.

“The big thing is that I know Craig very well and I know how he works – inside and outside of football – and I know the style of play that he likes to play; it is a style that I have become accustomed to, as I like to play that style also.

“I have played at this level for quite a long time, I would like to think that I know what makes players tick with what they like and don’t like, so I can transfer some of that knowledge that I already have into this role.”

Having been vice-captain for the Tigers, James Baxendale, is making his first, tentative steps into coaching, Parry saying of the opportunity in what is an impressive, backroom reshuffle at the club, presented the experienced footballer that: “I think when we sat around the table and looked for someone to come in and work alongside us, Bax stood out for us all.

“We made the decision pretty early in the reshuffle but wanted James to settle in and get used to working with us before making public announcements.

“From having him at my previous club and bringing him to Worksop Town as vice-captain, as well as getting to know him off the field in a personal side, I know that he brings experience in playing in the Football League, but also honesty, energy, hard work and loyalty to my management team.

“I think this is a good time for James to dip his toe in the other side of the fence and come and work with us and look at how we operate and work closely with Mark and the players, but let’s not forget how important he is going to be on the pitch as well.”

The Graham brothers meanwhile already possess an extensive scouting network and knowledge of the non-league game, skills honed at that of Boston United and AFC Fylde during the past few years.

Adding the duo to the backroom staff, which also sees John Hood continue as goalkeeping coach, is a strong move by Parry, and the Worksop hierarchy, and shows intent moving forward, more with the current campaign having been curtailed, they now have a good period of time in which to bed themselves into their new roles, and prepare for a big return to football next season.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @LewisPickersgi1 Luke Jeffs the new Worksop Town Assistant Manager.