Abbott's
former assistant of several years, Paul Tomlinson, has been named as assistant
manager.
Birmingham-based
Abbott (pictured) left BetVictor Southern League Division One South club Evesham United as
manager by mutual consent at the start of the month.
He
had taken over at the Jubilee Stadium in May 2019 having quit then-Midland
League Premier Division outfit Quorn, the club he led to a sixth-place finish
in his only full season at Farley Way.
Prior
to that, Abbott had been at the helm at Northern Premier League Division One
South East outfit Market Drayton Town having enjoyed strong records two tiers
below during lengthy spells at Wolverhampton Casuals and Hinckley AFC.
Chairman
Mark Alflat told https://www.gresleyfc.com: "In the short time Carl and
Paul have been with the club they have left a favourable impression with the
Board members and players alike. Their past experience, tactical knowledge and
range of player contacts speak for themselves. Those strengths joined with
Gary's past experience and passion to bring to good times back to the club
provides a solid foundation for an exciting and strong management team
structure.
"Our
fans have been starved of success over the last few years and after our last
couple of appointments didn’t work out, we felt that a change of approach to
our recruitment strategy was required. This management team brings an enviable
track record and huge level of experience between them and I’m really looking
forward to seeing them get to work when the opportunity of course
permits."
Norton
commented: “The timing of Carl and Paul’s recent availability was fortunate so
when the opportunity to bring them in to help the club for the remainder of the
season came up whilst I was in caretaker charge was great timing with 12 games
to go. Unfortunately, things outside of our control meant that we did not get chance
to prove how well it would have worked but when the Chairman asked me if we
would like to make the arrangement a permanent one earlier today we were
delighted to accept.
“Carl
and I have spoken about how things will work between us and are very confident
it will work well in terms of the dynamic between us. We are looking forward to
it and will be working very hard to ensure we don’t experience the sort of
season we have had to endure this time round. Our supporters, volunteers and
everyone connected with the club deserve much more than to be fighting
relegation at this level of the non-league pyramid. With things off the pitch
taking a big step forward in recent weeks with the news that our vice chairman
has taken ownership of the Moat Ground its vital that we get things back moving
in the right direction on the pitch and both Carl and Paul are very excited
about the opportunity they have to help move us forwards”. |