Pic: Larkhall Athletic FC
GERAINT BATER has stepped up to take over as manager of Larkhall Athletic following the departure of long-serving boss Wayne Thorne.
Thorne decided to step down following Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Slimbridge in the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West.
He had been in charge for almost six years, bringing great success to the Bath-based club, guiding them to the Western League title in 2013-14.
The Larks made it to the Southern South & West play-off final in their first Step 4 campaign, losing to Stratford Town 3-2 before finishing 11th last season.
Thorne signed off with victory on Saturday and was replaced by assistant managers Bater and Neil Arndale who took charge of Wednesday night’s Southern League Challenge Cup victory over Frome.
The Larks confirmed on Thursday that Bater had agreed to take the managerial reins permanently with Arndale serving as his assistant.
A Larkhall statement said: “The club is delighted to announce that Geraint Bater and Neil Arndale have accepted the posts of first team manager and assistant manager respectively.
“Both will be familiar to all at Plain Ham as part of the previous management set up. They have a wealth of Southern League experience and we are confident they will build on the record of success established by Wayne Thorne, and his predecessors, over the last years.”
On Thorne, chairman Paul Rankin said: “Wayne has been pivotal in the club’s success during his time as manager. The club will always be grateful for his contribution and there will always be a welcome for Wayne and his family at Plain Ham.”
Thorne added: “Thank you all at Larkhall for everything. A journey that has seen a lot of ups and downs and lots of emotion along the way.
“To the group of players I had today that gave me a great send off, stick together and reach the target we set. To all the players that I’ve had in six-and-a-half seasons, we have made the club what it is today.
“Committee members have stuck with me along the way and supported me and given me the chance to manager your great club.
“Thank you for the journey we have been on together, we have broken all records and achieved so much. I’ll never forget the time and I will be back.”
