Birtley Town FC is delighted to announce that Paul Foster will remain in charge of the first team on a permanent basis, with fellow manager Paul Bryson taking a well-earnt retirement.
Following a successful two-year period which seen The Hoops win promotion to Northern League Division One and finish 4th in their first season at step 5, Foster and Bryson returned to the club following a challenging opening of the 24/25 campaign. Birtley finished the campaign sitting in the lower end of mid-table and attention now turns to the 25/6 campaign with Foster confirmed as the club’s permanent manager.
Club Chairman Paul Beat: ” I couldn’t be happier that Foss has agreed to take on the role permanently. It gives us much needed continuity to follow a positive second half of the season. There’s nobody who knows the club and what we want to achieve more than him, the lads will run through a brick wall for Foss and the management team. I can’t wait to get into planning for next season already.
Paul Bryson has confirmed that he will retire following Saturday’s game over Seaham. Paul will always have a strong affinity the club following a hugely successful time as both a player and manager.
Vice-Chairman Scott Brown “Brysa has a huge connection with Birtley. Starting with his playing days in the early 00’s when the club had a hugely successful period winning two cups and the Wearside League. Paul has since been in a managerial role of the club on a couple of occasions and alongside Foss guided us to our first promotion to Step 5. We’ve had a challenging season this year and we would like to thank Paul for his efforts over the last couple of months as we have looked to stabilise our position.
“On a personal note, Brysa has been absolutely superb for me since I met Paul whilst he was working for Gateshead College around 15 years ago. I’ve learnt a massive amount from Brysa over the years. We really appreciate his time and guidance over the last couple of years at Birtley. Everyone at the club wishes him well in his retirement and I hope to see him down The Arrowmark for a few beers over the summer.”
With the season drawing to close everyone at Birtley Town would like to thank our supporters, sponsors, players, managerial teams and volunteers for their support over the 24/25 campaign and we look forward to seeing you all again next season. The club will make an announcement of pre-season fixtures in the coming weeks alongside appointments to Paul Foster’s managerial team.
