BAMBER BRIDGE FC

The club have announced that John Hills has stepped down from his role as first team assistant manager.

A popular figure with both players and supporters, 'Hillsy'  joined Brig in December 2019 alongside first team manger Jamie Milligan.  A coaching partnership which led to some significant achievements for the club.

In 2022/23, alongside Milligan, he steered Brig to their highest league position in 26 years, finishing 3rd in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and narrowly missing out on promotion after 1-0 defeat to Warrington Town in the play-off final.

Following the announcement, Jamie Milligan paid tribute to his assistant and long-time friend:

"I’ve been best mates with Hilsy since we were kids and since joining up together at Bamber bridge we have had some really good highs and some lows to go with it but we have kept going to try and drive the club forward. Hilsy is someone I trust and that’s important to have an assistant you trust. Hilsy will be missed by everyone at the club as players, staff and fans loved having him around"

Hillsy also had a message for the Brig faithful following his departure:

"After six and a half fantastic years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to Bamber Bridge FC.

This wasn't an easy decision, but unfortunately the club and I were unable to reach an agreement for me to continue in my role. While I'm naturally disappointed to be leaving, I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity I was given and for the memories we've shared along the way.

Being assistant manager has been a privilege. Working alongside my friend throughout this journey has made it even more special, and I'm proud of what we've achieved together despite always working with one of the smallest budgets in the league.

Reaching the play-off final and consistently competing around the play-off places when we were so often tipped to struggle are memories I'll always cherish. Just as importantly, seeing so many players develop with us before moving on to bigger opportunities has been hugely rewarding, and I wish every one of them continued success.

I'd like to thank everyone connected with the club—the players, staff, volunteers, board members, supporters and everyone behind the scenes—for their commitment and support over the last six and a half years. Your backing has meant a great deal.

I leave with nothing but respect for Bamber Bridge FC and genuinely hope the club enjoys every success in the future.

Thank you for everything.’"

Everyone connected with Bamber Bridge FC would like to wish John all the best for the future and thank him for his commitment to the club over the last 6 and a half years. He leaves Irongate with the best wishes of the staff, committee, volunteers and everyone connected with Bamber Bridge FC.

An announcement about Hillsy's replacement will be made in due course.