After receiving several strong applications and speaking to a number of impressive candidates, west are pleased to announce that fan favourite Matty Kay will be returning to the club in order to take up the role of assistant manager.

Having played for the club across a number of spells – including our opening game of this season, when he returned to Brookburn Road from Mossley in order to sure up a midfield that was light on numbers – Matty has long had an affinity with West supporters. Even in his absence, a flag bearing his likeness has flown in the shed end for all home games this season – and we’re sure that all West fans will be happy to have him back involved at the Recreation Ground for the foreseeable future.

Matty will take up the role immediately, and will be in the dugout alongside the rest of the for tonight’s visit of Barnoldswick Town. Steve Brockley will continue to work with the team in the coming months, ahead of the birth of his child which is due before the end of the year.

Speaking on the announcement, manager Steve Settle said, “We are delighted to give Matty the opportunity to join the management team of the club. Although we are not drawing a line underneath the contributions he can make on the pitch, Matty has ideas he would like to implement on the training ground that should help us climb the table. He is willing to learn and having known him a long time I’m sure he make a success of the appointment”

Following his confirmation in the role, Matty Kay said, “I’m delighted to be returning to the club, albeit in a different role as assistant manager. I see it as a fantastic opportunity and one in which I intend to take with both hands. I’d be hopeful the fans will approve of the decision, and know I’ll be doing everything I can, along with Setts, to keep improving performances on the pitch starting with tonight’s game against Barnoldswick.

The move into coaching/management is one I always hoped would happen once I stopped playing. This opportunity has come around earlier than I expected but one I felt was too good to miss. I’m still registered as a player so there’s every possibility I will stay play some part in games, however that is something me and the manager need to discuss probably on a game to game basis.

Finally, I’d again like to thank the chairman (Glyn Meacher) and all those involved in the selection process for giving me the opportunity.

See you all at tonight’s game”