NEW FIRST TEAM MANAGER
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Wilkinson as Reading YMCA FC First Team Manager.
Richard Wilkinson - Reading YMCA FC First Team Manager
Richard’s playing career included spells at Woodley United, Henley Town and Reading Town before fully focusing on coaching 10 years ago.
Rich formed the junior club Calcot Royals and continues to run the club today having managed Calcot teams through all the age groups. He also combines this with his role as a Reading FC Pre-Academy Coach. Rich has also been part of the management teams at Woodley United and Calcot but joining Reading YMCA FC will represent his first big step in managing a men’s team in the FA pyramid.
Rich said “Reading YMCA FC have a great reputation in local grassroots football and I am excited about stepping back into men’s football and managing the team. The club create a really positive environment so it seemed the right club for me and the players I hope to bring on board. We have a really strong squad already and I hope to build on this with my links to young players and providing a pathway for them to transition from junior grassroots and academies. Hopefully this will deliver success for the club.”
Chairman Mark Lemm welcomes Richard to The Cauldron
Rich will be only our 7th manager in 45 years, a stat that Chairman Mark Lemm is very proud of.
“Having so few managers over such a long period demonstrates that we back our managers and they enjoy being part of the club.”
On Rich’s appointment, Mark said “We had a lot of interest in the role but we were keen to appoint someone who had good contacts with young players and was aligned with our club values. Rich ticked all the boxes.”
Welcome to YM Rich, we hope you enjoy being part of the club and can help us move forward on and off the pitch.
Richard with Club Captain Sam Tucker and Committee Members Mark Lemm, Luke Howroyd & Stuart Cripps