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Pontefract Collieries announce new manager following Rouse exit
Jimmy Williams has been unveiled as the new manager of Pontefract Collieries.
Williams steps into the managerial hot seat after a spell as assistant to former boss Craig Rouse, who recently decided to leave the club to join NPL East Division rivals Cleethorpes Town.
Rouse took charge of Colls in January 2021, having previously featured as a player and assistant manager.
Last season, he led the club to fourth place in the NPL East Division - their highest-ever league finish.
However, Rouse resigned from his position earlier this month to move onto pastures new, bring to an end his three years in charge.
Colls have moved quickly to find their replacement, with Rouse's assistant given the nod as they look to mount another promotion push in 2024/25.
On the appointment, Pontefract Collieries vice-chairman Tom Wiles described Williams as a "perfect fit" for the role.
He added: "After a whirlwind week, we are delighted that Jimmy has accepted the post to become our men’s first team manager.
"In truth, this was always a one horse race. We only ever wanted Jimmy, and he was told that immediately last Tuesday.
"He’s Pontefract through and through, and this is the first time in Trevor Waddington’s time at the club that we have appointed a lad from Pontefract in this role, which makes it even more special.
"When Jimmy told Trevor and I on Sunday he was going to accept the role, we were delighted.
"He wanted to inform Craig [Rouse] himself before it went public, which again is a mark of the man.
"In Craig Rouse and Craig Parry, he’s been able to learn from the best two managers this club have ever had, and given time he will go on to even surpass their outstanding achievements."
It has also been confirmed that Gavin Rothery and Lee Kelsey will continue as part of Williams' backroom team.
One person who won't be with the club in 2024/25, however, is player-coach Joe Lumsden.
In his second spell at Colls, Lumsden took on a coaching role last season due to injuries which restricted him to just three appearances in all competitions.
Photo credit: Pontefract Collieries
Rouse took charge of Colls in January 2021, having previously featured as a player and assistant manager.
Last season, he led the club to fourth place in the NPL East Division - their highest-ever league finish.
However, Rouse resigned from his position earlier this month to move onto pastures new, bring to an end his three years in charge.
Colls have moved quickly to find their replacement, with Rouse's assistant given the nod as they look to mount another promotion push in 2024/25.
On the appointment, Pontefract Collieries vice-chairman Tom Wiles described Williams as a "perfect fit" for the role.
He added: "After a whirlwind week, we are delighted that Jimmy has accepted the post to become our men’s first team manager.
"In truth, this was always a one horse race. We only ever wanted Jimmy, and he was told that immediately last Tuesday.
"He’s Pontefract through and through, and this is the first time in Trevor Waddington’s time at the club that we have appointed a lad from Pontefract in this role, which makes it even more special.
"When Jimmy told Trevor and I on Sunday he was going to accept the role, we were delighted.
"He wanted to inform Craig [Rouse] himself before it went public, which again is a mark of the man.
"In Craig Rouse and Craig Parry, he’s been able to learn from the best two managers this club have ever had, and given time he will go on to even surpass their outstanding achievements."
It has also been confirmed that Gavin Rothery and Lee Kelsey will continue as part of Williams' backroom team.
One person who won't be with the club in 2024/25, however, is player-coach Joe Lumsden.
In his second spell at Colls, Lumsden took on a coaching role last season due to injuries which restricted him to just three appearances in all competitions.
Photo credit: Pontefract Collieries
