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New Era at Basford
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NEW ERA Josh Wakelin. 9 Jan
DAVID LILLEY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL...
Basford United FC Announces a Landmark New Era with David Lilley
Basford United Football Club is thrilled to announce a transformative chapter in its history, following a merger with David Lilley Football Coaching, effective from 1st March 2025. This exciting partnership not only expands the club’s horizons but also ushers in a period of growth, vision, and ambition under David Lilley’s leadership.
As part of this new era, David Lilley has been appointed as the club’s Director of Football, taking full responsibility for all football operations. His role will encompass the First Team, Football Academy, and the broader footballing strategy. With a wealth of experience, including a proven track record in football club ownership, elite-level coaching, and professional club affiliations, David is ideally placed to lead the club forward.
Owner Chris Munroe commented:
“This is a truly momentous step for Basford United. David’s appointment and the merger with his renowned coaching organization mark a turning point for the club. David’s vision, expertise, and passion will not only help reshape the First Team but will also elevate the entire club—from our juniors to our academy and beyond.“With over 70 junior teams set to call Greenwich Avenue home, this merger cements our commitment to grassroots development and community engagement. David’s ambitious goal of reaching the National League within five years reflects our shared determination to achieve sustainable success. While challenges may lie ahead, I am confident that David’s leadership will drive the club toward a brighter future. I welcome David and his wife, Sam, to Basford United and look forward to witnessing the incredible evolution of this club over the coming years.”This merger represents a harmonious integration of operations. While Basford United Juniors will retain their branding and name, they will be fully incorporated into the David Lilley Football Coaching structure for areas such as affiliation and operation. This integration will include critical infrastructure updates at Greenwich Avenue to support the expansion and ensure the club is equipped for the future.The current leadership team, including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Club Secretary, and Commercial Manager, will remain in their roles, maintaining the strong foundations of the club. David will work closely with them to align operations with his strategic vision.As part of this transition, Chris Munroe will step back from First Team operations, entrusting David with full responsibility for football-related decisions. Chris expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported him during his tenure.The merger also reflects the club’s readiness to navigate all eventualities, including the potential challenges of relegation, while laying the groundwork for a swift recovery and future success.This new chapter for Basford United represents not just a merger but the beginning of an inspiring journey for the club, its players, and the community. Thank you for your unwavering support as we move forward together.
David Lilley commented:
“I’m incredibly excited to join Basford United FC at such a pivotal moment in the club’s journey. This merger represents a unique opportunity to build something truly special, combining the clubs rich 100 year history with a clear vision for our future. My focus will be on creating a strong footballing identity, developing pathways for players at all levels, and ensuring the club is prepared to achieve long-term success both on and off the pitch. I look forward to working closely with everyone involved to realize the full potential of Basford United.”
Last edited by Matchman (10/1/2025 8:06 AM)
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Re: New Era at Basford
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Now Paul Cox joins Basford
Basford United Football Club Appoint New Operations Advisor
Basford United Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Cox as their new Football Operations Advisor, working alongside David Lilley - Director of Football . With over 30 years of experience in the football industry, Paul Cox brings exceptional expertise and a proven track record in football management. In his advisory role, Paul will collaborate closely with the Basford United FC board to provide strategic guidance and oversee the planning and execution of operational activities. His focus will be on optimising processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to enhance the experience for fans, players, and business partners alike.
Paul Cox’s extensive football career includes success at clubs such as Mansfield Town and Eastwood Town, where he guided teams to promotions and achieved record-breaking performances. As a proud local figure, Paul is eager to support the growth and success of the Basford community.
Speaking about his involvement, Paul Cox said: “I am delighted to be supporting Basford United in building on their proud 125-year legacy and ambitious future plans. Drawing on my experience, I look forward to advising David and the team to optimise operations and contribute to the club’s future success.
David Lilley, Director of Football, shared his excitement:
“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Cox in an advisory capacity. His vast experience and understanding of football operations will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals. Paul’s role as an advisor underscores our commitment to operational excellence and the continued development of our Greenwich Avenue site.”This appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Basford United as they continue their mission to build a strong, dynamic organisation dedicated to success both on and off the pitch.
Statement from Chris Munroe, owner
“With David Lilley and now Paul Cox on board, we’re as always are committed to upgrading Basford United’s infrastructure—from facilities to the matchday experience—so our fans and community can enjoy a better and brighter future.”
Last edited by Matchman (11/1/2025 8:46 PM)
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Thread Starter- WhiteBallProject
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Re: New Era at Basford
I can’t help thinking that there is a lot of modern football jargon being flung around at Basford United at the moment like Football Operations Advisor and Director of Football Operations and Club Infastructure. I can’t work out if they are going to appoint a new manager or if Chris Munro is stepping down. It’s a shame that. You have to get a dictionary out to try and interpret what it is a that a couple of very long winded statements actually are saying.
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Re: New Era at Basford
“In his advisory role, Paul will collaborate closely with the Basford United FC board to provide strategic guidance and oversee the planning and execution of operational activities. His focus will be on optimising processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to enhance the experience for fans, players, and business partners alike.”
This could read “Paul will help but not get paid” or “Paul will get in free and say what he thinks”
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Re: New Era at Basford
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NEW SIGNING: BRAD GASCOIGNE
Josh Wakelin 13 Jan
Fan favourite defender returns...Basford United FC are delighted to announce the signing of centre back Brad Gascoigne!Brad needs no introduction to the Basford fans, having joined the club in 2019 Brad soon became a popular figure amongst the back line under Steve Chettle. Standing at 6ft 5inch Brad is a powerful and commanding centre back who was known as one of the best defenders at step 3 during his time in an Amber shirt. Brad left the Ambers in 2022 to join then National League North outfit Kettering Town before moving to Tamworth where he helped the Lambs earn promotion to the National League (step 1)
Brad left Tamworth in the summer where he then joined Northern Premier League West side Sherwood Colliery before returning to sign for the Ambers!
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Thread Starter- Matchman
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Re: New Era at Basford
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Basford United FC @Basfordutdfc
Luke Potter has been relieved from his duties as First Team Manager. We would like to say a huge thank you to Luke for stepping up on Christmas Eve and we wish him all the success in the future. 
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Thread Starter- Matchman
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Re: New Era at Basford
Strange that Luke Potter is sacked after 2 decent performances against Macclesfield and Guiseley. Was it always meant to be for Paul Cox to become manager?
Last edited by Matchman (26/1/2025 9:52 AM)
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Thread Starter- WhiteBallProject
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Re: New Era at Basford
In his advisory role, Paul will collaborate closely with the Basford United FC board to provide strategic guidance and oversee the planning and execution of operational activities. His focus will be on optimising processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to enhance the experience for fans, players, and business partners alike until we sack the present manager in order to continue our journey and optimise the experience and talents available to the club in an overtly opaque and disguised manner befitting an organisation committed to broadening its operational optimisation in an haphazard and marginally deciteful manner. Or YES!
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Re: New Era at Basford
Unless Mark Clifford is tempted back! Mark don't go please don't go!
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Re: New Era at Basford
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NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED.
Josh Wakelin. 26 Jan
Basford United Football Club are delighted to announce Willis Francis as the clubs new First Team Manager. Willis will be assisted by experienced coach John Ramshaw. Many fans may know Willis as he used to play for Basford United between 2012 and 2015! John brings a wealth of experience to the club having coached at Boston United, Kettering Town, Kidderminster Harriers and more!Willis and John will take charge of Saturday's huge game against Blyth Spartans and we need the supporters to get behind the new management team behind as we start this new exciting chapter!
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Thread Starter- WhiteBallProject
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Re: New Era at Basford
I wish the young man good luck! Chris Munroe may have got it right at Basford and prove us all wrong! Time will tell. However I think they may be rebuilding in a lower division next season!