Faringdon Town FC can confirm the appointment of Dan Knight as our new First Team Manager.
Knight who has been coaching football since the age of 18, has a vast amount of knowledge and skills from his time coaching within the Army, Ardley Utd, Milton Utd. Over the last 3 years he has been managing at Abingdon Utd Women, gaining promotion to the National League at Step 4 of the women’s game.
Dan has spent pre-season coaching at Swindon Town Women, however when he was approached by The Don’s Head of Senior Football, Martin Harries about the FTFC role, he was excited by the challenge, highly impressed with the clubs facilities and impending floodlight installation. After watching the squad on Saturday in our opening pre-season friendly with Uhlsport Hellenic Premier club Brimscombe & Thrupp, he was impressed with the squads performance, efforts and desire. Knight stated “I feel very privileged that Simon (Chairman) & Martin have put there trust in myself, to carry on the great work that has already been achieved by Nicky Smith and Chris Homer in gaining promotion to the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior Premier Division. This will be a new league, facing some big clubs in the Wiltshire area and I can’t wait for the challenges ahead”.
HOSF Harries is excited by the appointment “I’ve known Dan for 3/4 seasons when he coached my daughters are Abingdon Utd Women and we have kept in touch. Dan is an infectious character, 110% committed to his coaching and has a philosophy of attacking football. We decided a change was needed to the First Team management setup following our promotion, due to Nicky’s own admission of having limited contacts to further enhance our squad options. Following a meeting with Simon and myself, we are excited to welcome Dan to The Don and see how we can now progress on the pitch, after major improvements to our facilities off the pitch over the last couple of seasons”.
The club would like to thank Nicky Smith & Chris Homer for their efforts over the last couple of seasons. Smith has agreed to remain involved as part of Dan’s backroom staff, with his knowledge of the existing squad being invaluable to Knight. Dan is currently setting up the remaining members of his coaching team, however we are pleased to confirm Jaz Simpkins will remain with the club as physio and continue her great work with squad rehabilitation.
Knight will be present at training on Tuesday evening at Tucker Park. Training commences at 18:30 and Dan is looking forward to meeting the current squad, whilst also inviting new players to the session. Dan will then be involved in his first matchday, as The Don visit Marlborough Town on Saturday 20th July 2024, kick off at 15:00.
