Hartley Wintney have unveiled former skipper Steve Noakes as the Southern League club’s new assistant manager.
The Row’s promotion-winning former captain, pictured, is expected be on the touchline alongside manager Anthony Millerick for the first time on Saturday week when they host Walton Casuals in Southern League Premier Division South.
Millerick hailed his new number two as “born winner” in a club statement as the Row prepared for the weekend off following their FA Cup exit.
Millerick said: “Having known club-legend Noakesy for 15 years, both as a player and as a manager, I’m delighted he will be bringing his vast knowledge into our dressing room as assistant manager. A born winner, his determined nature will undoubtedly rub off on the players.”
The Row statement added: “Hartley Wintney FC is delighted to announce that popular and well known former player and club captain Steve Noakes has accepted the position as assistant to first team manager Anthony Millerick.
“Steve is well known in the Non-League game, having featured heavily for Met Police for several seasons until joining the Row ahead of the 2014/15 season, taking on the captaincy.
“His presence on the pitch, as well as his ability as a right-sided and central defender, helped guide Hartley Wintney from the Combined Counties League to the Southern League.
“He was also instrumental in helping to secure several memorable cup wins, and chipping in with important goals.”
Noakes accepted an invitation to join a strong backroom staff at the North Hampshire club led by coaches Mark Hurst, Keith Benjamin, Sam Rafique and Neil Woodyer, along with sports therapist Mark Povey.
Image courtesy of @HartleyFC/Twitter