Managerial merry-go-round

■ Former jockey Mick O’Connell has been appointed as the new manager of Tadcaster Albion.

O’Connell joins Taddy from Harrogate Railway, who he led to the playoffs for the last two seasons without being able to get them promoted. He started out in football with Nottingham Forest and Celtic but then had a very successful horse racing career, with just under 500 race wins to his name.

The Brewers are playing in Step 5 next season following their relegation from NPL East.

■ HASTINGS United have been shocked by the resignation of boss Gary Elphick and his assistant Jon Meeney.

Player-boss Elphick, 37, took over the reins at the Pilot Field, with Meeney, in November 2021 and guided the U’s to the Isthmian South East title, followed by an eighth-placed finish in the Isthmian Premier this season, missing out on a play-off place in their first season back at Step 3 by just three points.

A club statement read: “All at the club would like to thank the pair for their services and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

■ DAVE Altendorff is back in charge of Lancing after replacing Dean Cox, who departed for Burgess Hill Town last week.

Altendorff was head coach of the Lancers during the 2019/20 season and has since held roles at Ringmer AFC, Newhaven and, most recently, Loxwood.

Chairman Steve Taylor stated: “It is great to be able to work with Dave and his team again and we are excited that our third Isthmian League campaign will have him at the helm.”

■ FANS’ favourite Elliot Sandy has been handed the Spalding United manager’s job on a permanent basis. Sandy took caretaker charge of the Tulips as player/boss after Brett Whaley left the club back in March.

He led them into the play-offs where they lost to Halesowen Town in last Saturday’s final. A club statement read: “The chairman and board of directors have unanimously decided that Elliot and his team are the right people to carry on the club’s progress.”

■ GLOSSOP North End have parted company with manager Stuart Mellish following their relegation to Step 5.

The Hillmen were relegated from the NPL West after losing the Inter-Step 4/5 Play-Off against Northern League side Ashington.

With the club aiming to bounce back, they have made the decision to change.

“The Play Off last Saturday was a disappointing end to a very difficult season for various reasons,” Mellish told the club website.

“I felt that a couple of the younger players let the pressure of the game get the better of them.”

■ DEAN Sammutt has finaly reached the summit at Chipstead – after eight years in coaching.

Sammutt has been named as the new boss of the Isthmian South Central side and will be assisted by Lewis Taylor and Matt Males.

The former Crystal Place, Barnet and Sutton player has has been involved with Chipstead in a coaching role for eight years and said: “We are really proud to be the new management team, especially me, as the club means a lot to me”