The
sought-after manager and coach was most recently working with Southern League
Premier Division South side Dorchester Town.
He
joined the Magpies in the summer of 2019, having started coaching in 2005.
He
spent the previous seven years as the director of coaching at the Matt Le
Tissier Natural Coaching Academy, and previously spent four years with AFC
Bournemouth working with a range of youth and development squads from under-9s
to under-23 level, as well as visiting some of the top academies across the
world including Barcelona’s famous La Masia, Athletic Bilbao, Sporting Lisbon
and Liverpool’s international academy in Michigan, USA.
Rivers
said: “I’m delighted and proud to have been appointed joint manager of Downton
Football Club. I’m fortunate enough that my coaching career has taken me to
some amazing places, working with great people and though the opportunity to
move to other club’s as a coach arose over the past few weeks I now have the
desire to use those skills I’ve acquired to step in to management. To be able
to work alongside Ben, who is already a top, well-established manager is, for
me, the perfect opportunity. I’m looking forward to the challenges that lay
ahead when we are all safe and clear to resume Football.”
Ben
Smith added: “I’m absolutely delighted to appoint Jody as joint manager. It’s a
great capture for us on the coaching staff but most importantly Downton Football
Club. Jody has seen what we are trying to build here and with a wealth of
knowledge of the game he will no doubt make an instant impact.”
Smith
and Rivers have already started working together and are now planning for whenever
football can safely return.
New
chairman Daniel Newman said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Jody
Rivers is to become joint first team manager for this up and coming season.
Jody brings a wealth of knowledge and experience second to none in the local
non-League football. Jody will work alongside our current superb first team
manager Ben Smith and our already exceptional coaching set up. It really is
exciting times at the nest”. |
