Chairman Andy Argyle told the Sidmouth Herald : “Richard is an experienced and successful manager and coach with a background in Toolstation Western League football.
“He will bring in coaching staff who have played alongside him and who have also played many times for Sidmouth. His emphasis will be on blending youth with experience to develop a strong and loyal squad designed to move the club forward and challenge for honours. The committee and I are very much looking forward to working with Richard to achieve his and their shared ambitions for the club.”
Last season saw Pears managing at Western League Premier Division outfit Barnstaple Town, but he left the North Devon team earlier this year.
The 41-year-old previously had two spells managing Exmouth Town as well as being in charge at Cullompton Rangers and Royal Marines.
As a player, Pears was a striker who made 60 first-team appearances for Exeter City as a professional and went on to enjoy a successful time in western non-League football with the likes of Tiverton Town, Mangotsfield United, Willand Rovers and Cullompton.
Pears said: “I am delighted to accept the manager’s position at Sidmouth Town Football Club. Sidmouth is a fantastic up and coming club and with four senior teams and a vibrant youth system. I cannot wait to be part of the current management team where there is an ethos of developing and growing local-based players to play at the highest level possible.
“I am also pleased to announce that Kevin Tooze and Gary Carpenter will assist me with all managerial duties and have two energetic, experienced and knowledgeable people around me that have played most of their careers at Western League level is a huge bonus for me and the club.
“The club has a brilliant chairman and committee who have very much made me feel welcome and I cannot wait to get started. My first aim is to retain as many of the current squad as possible and to bring in some experienced players that can also support our local young players. Anyone who knows me will know that we will have an organized, strong team this year and I have told the club that my aim is to finish in the top six for this season’’. |