Harrison is new player-coach at Steelmen
19th December, 2019
Parkgate have bolstered their management team with Simon Harrison becoming player-coach at the Steelmen with immediate effect.
Harrison, who joined the Toolstation NCEL Division One side shortly after chairman Albert Dudill appointed former player Andy Dawson as manager back in September 2018, has been given the opportunity after Ben Starosta left the role at the club at the end of October due to commitments outside football.
Dawson was quick to show his delight, saying: "From the day Simon joined the club, he has been first class both on and off the pitch.
"He has produced some memorable moments during my time here - the 30+ yards free-kick versus Armthorpe Welfare away, his other 30+ yards free kick versus FC Bolsover and his unbelievable overhead kick this season away at East Hull to name but a few.
"His role outside football as a personal trainer means he is as fit as anyone in the squad but it's his experience of playing at a higher level and his knowledge that made the decision by myself and [my assistant] Lee [Whitehead] to ask Simon to join the coaching side.
"All the lads respect him as captain and we felt it was a no-brainer to get him involved."
Whitehead also remarked on his excitement of the addition of Harrison to the young management team: "It's a great boost for us to get Simon on board with us.
"Having played at a higher level and the experience he has will be vital for us to push on for the rest of the season.
"He's a great lad. Everyone respects him and to top it off he's got a few moves on a night out."
Asked how different it will feel being player-coach, Harrison said: "In all honesty, there's no massive change.
"My aim is to share my experience with management and the lads and, after that, I will offer any other support which is asked of me.
"Anything I can contribute to get the best out of the talent we have, I will offer my services."
When asked whether coaching was something he had planned to do in the future, he added: "It is something I always thought I would enjoy but I hadn't done anything towards seeking opportunities.
"I think at this level, I have an awful lot to offer and working alongside Andy and Lee is a no-brainer for me.
"I'm honoured to have been asked but I know I won't fully enjoy it unless we're successful, so that will all depend on results and performances which we are keen to turnaround of late."
(Story Source: Parkgate)
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