Gala Wilton hoping new era will bring back success after tough season
Gala Wilton Chairman Lee Sheridan has hailed the appointments of Josh Taylor and Tom Read to the club and hopes the pair can help progress the club for the future.
On Monday night, Gala announced that Taylor would take over as First Team Manager, whilst Read would take on the Reserves side for the 2024/25 season.
The appointments come after a difficult season for the club, with both the First Team and Reserves relying on reprieves following finishing in the relegation places in their respective leagues.
Speaking to Severn Sport following the news, Sheridan has expressed his happiness with the two newest recruits.
“Both Josh and Tom will be great appointments for the club,” said Sheridan. “Both have a wealth of knowledge of local football and are highly respected across the Gloucestershire football community.
“Their enthusiasm, positivity and passion for the game is infectious and both Josh and Tom have a significant track record of developing players – so I am confident that both Josh and Tom will bring back the successes the Club has had in recent years and embed a winning culture throughout the club,” Sheridan added.
Taylor has previously been involved with the youth setups at Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town, whilst also turning out for Stonehouse Town on a number of occasions and will be joined by Bishops Cleeve midfielder Jack Holmes – who will be part of the coaching set up whilst he recovers from an ACL injury.
“I’m thrilled to be announced the new Manager of Gala Wilton. It is an exciting project with lots of potential, so I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Taylor told us.
Gala’s Reserve team finished in the relegation places in Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two, but will remain in the league giving Read a chance to secure safety in his first season.
Speaking to Severn Sport, former Longlevens 4ths and Slimbridge U18s manager Read says he is hopeful that the Reserves can work closely with the First Team this season to bring the club together.
“I am absolutely delighted to take the Reserves job,” said Read. “Gala is a good club with a lot of potential and i cant wait to get started.
Also for me its a chance to work at a higher level and with Josh coming in to run the Firsts we feel we can really drive the club forward on the field with the support of an excellent committee behind us and develop players through to the First Team,” added Read.
Gala Wilton return for pre-season training on Thursday 27 June, at Plock Court from 18:30 and welcome any player looking to try themselves for any of their sides, whether its in the Stroud League, GNSL or County League.
Cover photo courtesy of Steve Rolfe and Gala Wilton FC
