Pontefract Collieries turn to Jimmy Williams as new first team manager

Williams steps up after being assistant to Rouse and knows all about the club as a local man who also represented the team with distinction before moving into his coaching role.

His job will be to continue the progress on the pitch after a great season that saw Colls finish in fourth place in the Pitching In NPL East to reach the end of season play-offs.

They also crowned their campaign with a memorable victory in the final of the West Riding FA County Cup,

Announcing the decision to appoint him and the coaching staff he will work with, the club said: “We are delighted to confirm Jimmy Williams as the Colls first team manager.

“After playing his part in many great memories on and off the field, he will now be looking to add more from the dugout!

"We’re delighted to confirm that Gavin Rothery and Lee Kelsey continue where they left off last season, as they join Jimmy’s backroom team.

"Two great individuals, but extremely knowledgeable football men. Great additions.”

Joe Lumsden, however, has left the club, ending his second spell at Ponte when he scored some crucial goals.

Due to injury he moved to the coaching staff during last season and continued to play a big role.

Colls recently handed out their player awards for the 2023-24 season with Connor Smythe, who scored some spectacular goals, earning three accolades after being chosen as the managers player of the year and the players’ player of the year as well as winning goal of the season for his amazing strike from just inside his own half at Brighouse Town.

Striker Adam Haw, who scored more than 20 goals in his successful first season at Ponte, was also a treble winner after he won the committee player of the season, the managers young player of the year and also picked up the supporters player of the year.

A special award was also given to forward Mikey Dunn to honour him passing the 200 appearance milestone for the club during the campaign.