New boss must buy into Cradley ethos

Boss Chris Butts and backroom staff member Jack Allen left called time on their stay at Beeches View Avenue following last weekend’s loss to Worcester Raiders, their eighth defeat in nine games.

Cradley sit bottom of the West Midlands League Premier Division after their poor start.

First team coach James Bushell has been appointed as interim boss until a new manager is found and club chairman Trevor Thomas insists Cradley want a boss that reflects the club’s community feel.

“Chris did the job and at the end of the day it took its toll and he made the decision to leave,” said Thomas.

“We didn’t ask him to leave the club, the decision was made by himself. He did really well and I’d like to think we’ll stay friends, it didn’t finish on bad terms.

“It happens in football, it’s hard to to balance football, day job and family life. He has a lovely family, but it was a lot of pressure and it’s hard to manage it all.

“I’m gutted, I tried my hardest to keep him, it’s taken us all by surprise.

“There’s been around 12 applicants now, from different divisions and as far afield as Coventry and Telford.

“But we’re a community club and we want to be known as that, working for our community – Chris was a phenomenal part of that and he’ll be missed.

“That’s what we’re looking for, we don’t want to leave it too late to decide, but also not rush it.

“We’ll need to head into Saturday’s game now and afterwards assess where we are and look at our next move.”

Cradley face fifth-placed Darlaston Town tomorrow.

“Darlaston are a fantastic club with great people and great support,” Thomas added. “They’re flying at the moment but we’ll welcome them and try and get something.”

“Our players don’t understand why we’re where we are with the players we have.”

Elsewhere in the league, Dudley Sports travel to Bewdley Town, Bilston Town host Smethwick Rangers, Wednesfield welcome Littleton, Wolverhampton Sporting host Pershore Town and Wolves Casuals are away to Worcester Raiders.