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Chorley appoint ex-Stockport, Palace, Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle player as manager

Chorley appoint ex-Stockport, Palace, Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle player Andy Preece as their new manager, replacing Jamie Vermiglio.

The 55-year-old is only the Magpies’ fourth boss in 12 years, a spell which has seen the football club rise from the depths of non-league obscurity to one of the most recognisable names in the non-league game.

Andy’s appointment to the role follows the club’s philosophy of promoting from within to maintain a high level of continuity and progression.

CLUB STATEMENT:

I’m delighted to have taken on the role and it feels great to be back in the hot seat. Having been with the club for the last four years I know the place inside out and I can’t wait for the season to start. We’ve once again got a very talented group of players and our aim, as always, will be challenging at the top end of the league for promotion – Andy Preece (Manager, Chorley FC)

Andy has a wealth of experience from nearly 25 years in coaching and management – Bury (Dec 1999 to Dec 2003), Worcester City (Feb 2005 to Oct 2007), Northwich Victoria (Feb 2009 to Jan 2012), Airbus UK Broughton (Jan 2012 to Aug 2016) and Southport (Feb to May 2017). Not forgetting, of course, his successful playing career in the Premier League and Football League.

Our new gaffer originally joined Jamie Vermiglio’s fledgling backroom team in June, 2018, before moving up to the full-time Director of Football role in the summer of 2019.

Since then the former Stockport, Crystal Palace and Blackpool centre forward, who holds the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence coaching qualification, has had a heavy influence on the on-the-field setup across the entire football club.

It was a no-brainer to offer the job to Andy. We’re delighted he’s accepted the role and we feel very fortunate to have someone of Andy’s calibre already at the club. He’s an experienced manager who is well-respect in the game and he knows all our players very well – Ken Wright (Chairman, Chorley FC)

A big thank you to FitnessOutdoors Chorley for sponsoring Andy for the last 12 months. Player and backroom sponsorships for the new season will be available very soon.

PREECE’S CAREER:

Senior career
1986–1987 – Worcester City
1987–1988 – Evesham United
1988–1989 – Northampton Town
1989–1990 – Worcester City
1990–1991 – Wrexham – 51 games (7 goals)
1991–1994 – Stockport County – 97 games (42 goals)
1994–1995 – Crystal Palace – 20 games (4 goals)
1995–1998 – Blackpool – 129 games (35 goals)
1998–2003 – Bury – 166 games (27 goals)
2003–2005 – Carlisle United – 40 games (10 goals)
2005–2007 – Worcester City
2010–2012 – Northwich Victoria
Total – 505 games (125 goals)

Teams managed
1999–2003 – Bury
2005–2007 – Worcester City
2009–2012 – Northwich Victoria
2012–2016 – Airbus UK Broughton
2017 – Southport

Fans reacted as Chorley appoint the ex-Stockport, Palace, Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle player as manager…

@davidchadwick5: Great appointment 👏 good luck pal 👍

@parkinsonross: Another blues great at Chorley

Michael Hardman: Congratulations Andy you deserve it continuity is important. Now we can move forward 👏👏👏

Andi Webber: Congratulations and best of luck andy…..come on you magpies.

Keith McIntosh: Great news. Congratulations on your appointment Andy⚽️👏

Cameron Macphee: Now we’ve got a manager time to get the players through the door

Keith Best: Great choice. All the best Andy

Julie Hinds: Fabulous news congratulations Andy 🖤🤍⚽️❤️

Jo Gilbank-Simmonds: Congratulations Andy. Right person for the job

Jamie Vermiglio said when resigning and taking over at Buxton: “I would like to thank Ken Wright (chairman and co-owner) and Graham Watkinson (Co-owner) for the opportunities they have provided for me at Chorley FC. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a player, coach, assistant manager and manager. Managing the club has been, without doubt, the highlight of my footballing career to date – one that has been such a privilege and an honour.

“I feel that I have always been fully invested in the life of the club, represented it with honesty and integrity and I have given everything I possibly could to play my part in making the club as successful as it has been in recent years.

“From helping to set up the first ‘soccer school’ and youth academy, as well as being a part of the introduction of the education programme. Of course, it’s all been topped off by being the first team manager, gaining promotion to the National League and helping the club to make history with our FA Cup run last season.

“Over time I’ve established really strong relationships with lots of people, including the very loyal supporters, some of whom I would consider friends for life. I am sincerely grateful for all the support you have shown me and the players, particularly during the most testing of times. The volunteers who give up so much of their time to the club have always been amazing to me, showing me what it means to represent the wonderful club – I appreciate them – they are the heartbeat of the club.

“I feel that I am leaving the club during a period of stability and consistency. The recent FA cup success, coupled with another season of play off achievement and of course, with fantastic players and staff in place.

“I have always and will always, love the football club. It is in my heart and has touched my life as well as the lives of my family, friends and even school community. I will be forever grateful for the memories the club has given me.

“Now I feel it is the right time for me to move on, to embark on my next challenge as a manager and try something new. I want to continue to learn new things, work with different people, in a different setting and with a different set of challenges. I thank Ken and Graham for understanding my decision and for allowing me take up a fresh challenge.”

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