Paul Holleran has announced a change to his coaching staff as the new season approaches, and it is somebody who those involved in different areas of the club may already be familiar with.
‘Chris Knott will now take up the position of First Team Coach at the Football Club next season,’ said the manager.
‘Chris initially came to the football club to assist with setting up the academy and other sorts of things with Mark Fogarty. He got involved with the first team at the back end of last season, and to be honest we sort of hit it off really.
‘Obviously with Tom James having to step away at the moment due to family commitments the opportunity arose for Chris to step in - the door is still open for Tom but at the moment it’s not possible for him to commit to the role.
‘Chris has done a lot of good work at the football club - I’m very mindful that when I was in a similar position many years ago at Solihull Borough, I found it good working with Paul Dyson. I had my eyes on other areas of the football club that could help with progression through the ranks. So as well as being a very capable coach and a very good professional person it also links the club up a bit more, which is something that I’m keen to develop. Chris is a very good addition, and to be honest I think he’s got a very bright future, so we’re delighted to have him on board.
‘Tom has stepped aside at the moment due to family and work commitments. He is still in and around the place and is going to pop up to training when he can. Officially he has left his capacity but he’s still involved with the football club. It’s not a goodbye, it’s just a scenario where we need to let people know. Tom has had a couple of stints at the football club since I’ve been here and has been an absolute dream to be around. You never want to be losing good people, so the door is probably half open at the moment. It’s something that probably in time Tom can review.’
Getting to know…… Chris Knott
Our new first team coach Chris Knott (Pictured above presenting Josh Martin with the Man of the Match award after our goalless draw with eventual Champions King's Lynn Town back in March) has a coaching background of 16 years, delivering in community programmes. The 33 year old had a relatively short playing career as a goalkeeper for Knowle in the Midland Combination, starting out as a 16 year old before unfortunately having to retire ten years later due to injuries. He was part of the team that represented the Combination in the FA National League System Cup, reaching the final in 2007-08.
Chris took on his first management role in the game at Knowle, taking charge of the Reserves for two seasons before stepping up to the First Team to become Assistant Manager. After one season he was then handed the top job, leaving after two seasons to concentrate on progression and completing his coaching qualifications. He gained his UEFA A Licence in April 2018 and worked as an Opposition Analyst at Lowestoft Town and then as First Team Coach at Midland League side Heather St John’s prior to joining Brakes, where he became Head of Youth, coaching Academy players before also becoming involved with the first team.
