Express & Star

Gary Hackett steps down as Stourbridge manager after 16 years in charge

Gary Hackett has stepped down as Stourbridge manager after 16 years in charge of the club.

Published

The popular boss has enjoyed unprecedented success at Amblecote.

As well as taking the club to two promotions, Hackett also created history in the FA Cup by guiding the Glasssboys to victories over Plymouth Argyle and Northampton Town.

Locally he also led to Stourbridge to three wins of the Worcestershire Senior Cup. They also lifted the Birmingham Senior Cup for the first time in 50 years back in 2018.

Hackett, who initially took joint charge with Jon Ford in 2003, opted to resign after watching his team lose a Southern League Central play-off clash at Alvechurch yesterday.

“I would like to thank everybody for their help and support over the years in helping to create some amazing memories," Hackett said.

"Jon and I took over in difficult circumstances in 2003 with very few players remaining from the previous season and operating on a tight budget and we had to put together a competitive side quite quickly, so I take immense satisfaction from how far myself and others have been able to move the club forward, both on and off the pitch.

"It’s been tremendous to watch the club’s fanbase grow in numbers and galvanise in strength during my time in charge.

"I will always look back with pride on the day we had at Wycombe in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and see the away end packed with supporters and I’ll never forget the backing we received that afternoon before, during and after the match.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my support staff and backroom team for their unyielding support and commitment through the good and not so good times.

"Without their full backing, dedication to me and the Club and their valuable input during my time in charge, we wouldn’t have achieved half the things we have, and I am extremely grateful to them.

"I would also like to acknowledge the Board of Directors for their backing throughout.

"It’s been a pleasure, particularly, to work with Andy (Pountney), the chairman, these past few years.

"The club will always remain in my heart, whatever the future holds for me and I wish it continued success because there are many terrific and hardworking people working behind the scenes for the good of the club who I have come to know extremely well.”

Chairman Andy Pountney added: "I would like to pay tribute to Gary for everything he has done for the club and the journey he has taken us on during his time in charge.

"Emotions may have been running high after yesterday's disappointment, but I am sure Gary's sixteen-year spell in charge of the Glassboys will be remembered for so many wonderful reasons when we've all had time to reflect.

"It's the stuff of legends. He's rewritten the club's history and pathway with all the outstanding FA Cup runs. I also class Gary as a good friend and I am sure that will remain the case.

"I have enjoyed working with him and between us helping to drive the club forward to the high level we now compete at.

"As to the future, we'll be making further comment in due course, but today is about Gary and the legacy he leaves."