Newly installed Manager Paul Foster or ” Foss ” as everyone knows him is Birtley through and through. Foss played the majority of his career for us in the Wearside league although he did have a couple of seasons with Esh Winning in the Northern League under Barry Fleming.
Foss then teamed up with David Smith to bring the most success to Birtley that the club has had. The Hoops won the Wearside League twice and numerous cups over the seven years they were in charge. Leaving in 2007 to go to Crook Town with Peter Dixon and then swapping a promotion challenge with them to take over with Peter at West Auckland in December 2009. Five points from 20 games in December had seen everyone write them off however they took 53 points from the next 60 to see a remarkable mid-table finish. Success continued over the next five years culminating in reaching the FA Vase final in both 2012 and 2014 only to lose to Dunston Fed and Sholing from Southampton respectively. A move to Newton Aycliffe again with Peter resulted in their furthest FA Cup Run and FA Vase when reaching the last 16 in 2016/2017 season as well as their highest finish in Division One.
Then after a few years out of the game he answered the call from Paul Beat who asked for a helping hand and the lure of his hometown club proved decisive. When Paul stepped down he agreed to take on responsibility with Paul Bryson alongside him of whom Brysa had played when Paul was in charge with David Smith back in the 2000s.
In his first season as joint-manager, Foss guided the team to promotion to Northern League Division One. The play-off win at Billingham Town witnessed Birtley’s largest ever travelling support with over 500 supporters cheering the lads on to a memorable moment. Beyond all expectations, Birtley finished their first season at step 5 in a play-off position. falling to Heaton Stannington in the semi-final, Paul then made the difficult decision to step down from his role due to work commitments.
After a difficult start to the 25/26 season, Foss once again answered the call and returned to take up the role as joint-manager with Paul Bryson. Guiding the team away from the relegation zone and securing survival, Foss now takes charge of the side for the 25/26 season following Paul Bryson’s retirement.
Player Sponsor: Kevin Finnigan Entertainment. Kevin Finnigan has been a supporter of the club for numerous years. His entertainment performances are respected as one of the most diverse and charismatic performers around. He can be seen wowing the residents one afternoon in Care Home then the same evening he can be performing his tribute show to Reggae and SKA. Then he may pop up in a Restaurant performing a Cabaret and Swing set. With his unique personality, stunning PA and lighting system, you can be sure once booked, your event will be memorable for all the right reasons.
