Wetherby appoint Powell as boss

Powell, who was formerly the West Yorkshire Football League Premier Division outfit’s under-21s manager, will take charge of affairs following the conclusion of the current season.

Replacing current chief Mark Forster, who is retiring after four years at the helm, Powell brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been busy in the last few years gaining a host of qualifications, including his UEFA B Licence.

“When I heard that Mark [Forster] was stepping down at the end of this season, I was really interested,” Powell said.

“Wetherby Athletic is a club that means a lot to me as I started by coaching the juniors quite a few years ago. I then progressed to managing the Sunday side for three years and then the under-21s.

“I would like to say that Mark has done a brilliant job at the club and hopefully both my assistant Brian Blewitt and I will be able to help Wetherby progress like he has done, while putting our own stamp on things and bringing a new era to the club.”

Incoming assistant boss Blewitt is a former Tangerines player and holder of over 100 first team appearances.

He left the club at the beginning of the 2016/17 season and has enjoyed spells at both Tadcaster Magnets and Kirk Deighton Rangers.

Reflecting on the appointments, new chairman Claire Stubbs said: “I would like to welcome on board Martin and Brian, who have both been associated with Wetherby Athletic for many years.

“I have worked alongside them before and am looking forward to working with them in the future.

“I would also like to thank Mark Forster for his hard work and commitment to Wetherby over the last four years.

“It has been a pleasure to work with him and I know he will be missed by the other managers and players. I wish him success in the future.”