FORMER Middlesbrough footballer Andy Campbell has been appointed as Thornaby FC’s new director of football.
And the 45-year-old, whose late brother Neil was a former assistant manager with the Blues, has arrived predicting an exciting and bright future for everyone at Teesdale Park.
A new-look board at Thornaby FC is moving forward with bright plans following an uncertain period and Campbell is being asked to create stronger links between the boardroom and the men, women and youth sections.
Confirmation of Campbell’s arrival came ahead of Saturday’s Northern League Division Two opener against Chester-le-Street at Teesdale Park.
The former West Auckland and Norton & Stockton Ancients manager said: “I want all players, men, women, boys and girls, to work hard and be successful for Thornaby FC.
“I was drawn to Thornaby FC because of its proud history. I know all about that because my brother was assistant here during a successful era.
“I want to bring the good times back to this football club. There is real ambition here and that has drawn me in. There is a real drive to get where it wants to be.”
Campbell has already had positive meetings with the men’s boss Deano Browne and women’s managers Abbey Lyle and Claire Streeter.
Since Alison McGee, the club’s recently appointed CEO, and husband John joined the board last month at Thornaby FC, there has been a huge drive from within to unite everyone together and a growing list of new sponsors are in the pipeline.
McGee said: “Attracting Andy is a massive coup for Thornaby FC. To be able to bring an ex-Premier League footballer in, especially after the much-publicised developments at the club earlier in the summer, is huge.
“Andy has tremendous experience of men and women’s football. He will be a strong conduit between the board and the teams.
“This appointment sets out a clear vision; we want to build a brand and want everyone connected with the club moving along in the same direction.”
Campbell was one of the youngest players to play in the Premier League when he made his debut for Middlesbrough aged just 16 years and 11 months in 1996.
A significant part of his career was spent at the Riverside before spells at various other professional clubs including Cardiff City, Dunfermline and Halifax.
Since retirement, Campbell’s coaching career has included time with the Ancients, West Auckland and Middlesbrough FC Women before his exit last year.
He said: “I have been offered plenty of opportunities to go elsewhere, a few clubs, but once I spoke to John and Alison about this opportunity it was a no brainer.
“I want to see all the teams at Teesdale Park play as high as they can. I want to see young players come through the ranks to play for both the men and women’s teams. I’m keen to help make this the most successful non-league football club in the area.
“The short-term aim is I want to help both teams and the managers be successful this season. The longer-term vision is that I want promotion for the men and women - we have to aim high and get there sooner rather than later.
“The fans have a pivotal role to play, more than any club. I know what the club means to the people who come here because of the history I have with Thornaby FC through my brother.
“I want to involve the fans as much as we can and hopefully deliver the results we are striving for on the pitch too.”
* Follow Thornaby FC on social media for how to get season tickets £50 for adults and £5 for children. A new business club also enables partners and members to enjoy high end networking events at Teesdale Park, with a host of extra events on match days.
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