Former Coventry Copsewood manager Joe Conneely has joined Hinckley AFC as Courtney Belford’s assistant manager while coach Gavin Brown departs.
Conneely, who last season put together a talented young squad at Copsewood alongside Neil Collett, left the Coventry side in May and Belford moved quickly to secure the addition to his backroom team.
And the manager says Conneely, who has also taken charge of Rugby Borough and holds a UEFA B license, will be a good addition to the management team. He said: “Joe’s similar to me in that he came into management young, and anyone who watched Copsewood play last season will see how he changed them.
“They had a bit of a stigma about them before he went in but he turned that around to build an exciting young squad who played for nothing.
“He did a good job with them, and took points off us with a good young side. He’s a good young coach and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
Belford also says to have him at the club before the start of training will help the players with a sense of continuity.
“To have Joe on board for pre-season is massive. It means we’re organised and ready to go. He’s got the bit between his teeth and he’s excited to be at a club like Hinckley.”
Conneely replaces Brown, who has had to step down from his role after an step up in work commitments as a result of the current situation.
And Belford was full of praise for Brown’s coaching ability during his time with the club.
“I’m gutted to lose Gav. He was a breath of fresh air last season but his partner has lost hours at work and he’s started doing tuition alongside his job as a teacher. It means he can’t put everything into his role at the club and he doesn’t want to let anyone down.
“He was brilliant for us last year and it’s a shame to lose him.”
We’d like to thank Gavin for all his efforts last year and we welcome Joe to the club.
