Our Coaches
All of our coaches are volunteers who give their time and expertise to support our players in getting the most out of football.
Chairman - Paul Bolton
Robert Carlaw
Andrew Richardson
Joined the club towards the end of summer last year when my son, Rory, decided that he (finally!!!) wanted to start playing football. I was aware of the club as I went to school at Walton-Le-Dale some 20 years ago and even then many of my school friends played with Gregson Lane. John Eastham lives a couple of doors down from me and his son has played with the club ever since I’ve known them. Rory’s school friend Rowan also played with Gregson Lane and thus it was fairly easy to turn up and get involved. Once Rory was happy and committed to signing on it was an easy decision for me to get involved. Rob needed an assistant and I was probably more involved than I should have been at training sessions and with the couple of friendlies that we had.
I’ve genuinely been surprised at how much I’ve loved being involved. Originally I’m from Blackburn but moved to Hoghton circa 7-8 years ago and I’ve never been more involved and felt more a part of the community since joining the football club. The kids we have on the team and those that come to training are really good kids, as are their parents, and it’s been great to see their development from the beginning of the season to now. All the kids have made great improvements and continue to do so on a weekly basis.
Ryan McManus
I have been with the club since 2023, and I decided to get involved with the coaching because my son is part of the team. The club had a large number of U7’s available and needed to enter two teams into the league so I thought it would be good to take over the second team and put my football knowledge back into the community by helping the youngest players learn the game and develop into the best players they can be. A highlight of my time with the club was seeing how happy all the boys were when they managed to get their first victory after a tough first couple of months, but every week is a highlight seeing the lads improve each week in training and in their matches but most of all seeing how happy they are to be playing the game with their friends and having a great time doing so.
David Southworth
Ryan Collier
I am thrilled to share my journey into the heart of grassroots football, I have always been an ardent supporter of the beautiful game, not just as a spectator, but as an advocate for its power to bring communities together, foster teamwork, and develop the character of our young players.
November 2023, Harry and my nephew Benjamin joined the Gregson Lane Juniors Football Club family, eager to watch my son Harry and his teammates in the Under 8 Whites flourish. The world of grassroots football, with its pure enthusiasm and raw talent, has always resonated with me, and I looked forward to being part of the club's journey.
However, when unexpected turmoil threatened the stability and progress of our young team, I felt a deep responsibility to step forward—not just as a parent but as someone who believes in the values and potential of grassroots football. It was with great pride and a sense of duty that I accepted the role of football manager for Harry's team on the 5th December 2023.
This decision was not made lightly. It stems from a desire to provide stability, guidance, and support to a group of incredibly talented and dedicated young players who deserve the best possible start in their footballing lives. I believe in nurturing not just their skills on the pitch but also their sportsmanship, their respect for one another, and their love for the game.
As we embark on this journey together, I am committed to creating an environment where our players can thrive, have fun, and develop a lifelong passion for football. I am honored to be a part of this team and excited to contribute to the legacy of the Gregson Lane Juniors Football Club.
Simon Robinson
Martin Holliday
38 years old
Former semi professional footballer
Been with the club since u6s.
I chose to become a coach because I have a huge interest in the game and wanted to help young players grow as people and players, both individually and as part of a team. I also wanted to see youngsters enjoy playing the game by being relaxed and expressing themselves without any pressures. My son also plays for the team. The highlight for me is seeing how much the team improve year upon year, working our way to play at the highest ability level and seeing friendships form.
Treasurer - Paul Jackson
I have been with the club since my eldest son James started playing with U7s in 21/22 season. My youngest Robert is now playing his first seasonand both are already better players than their Dad ever was! Accepting I have little to offer in footballing ability I am focusing on contributing to the longer termsuccess of GLJFC in my roles supporting our hardworking Committee members and managers.
Wayne Martindale
Kirsty O'Connor
I've been with the club since 2022 with both my boys, 11 and 9 years old, when they joined Gregson Lane JFC. But I only became a coach in January 2024.
I became a coach to help keep the U11's team together, after the previous coach left in October 2024 and no-one else stepped up to help the team. I did it to keep my boys in a football team, but also, for the other players too, so they could still enjoy playing football.
My highlights would be, seeing the smiles on the players faces when they score a goal, or receive POTM trophy. Being part of a team, is something I'm proud of. The players are happy, they come to training each week and enjoy themselves and this shows on match days too
Secretary - John Eastham
Since being young, I have always taken part in sport. I am passionate about sport. I played for cubs, my school, Preston schoolboys as a teenager and until my late twenties in the Sunday League. I studied sports science at college. I am a season ticket holder at Preston North End FC so I’m used to the highs and lows associated with football !! I am now an FA qualified coach loving my time as the youth team manager as well as one of the clubs fully qualified welfare officers, upholding the values of the club.
Adults - Chris Lowe
I have been part of the Gregson Lane family for around 13-14 years, like most coaches, I caught the bug following my son’s games.
Corben Smith
My journey as a manager started way before I picked up the bag of footballs and a whiteboard, my journey began when I started playing for Gregson Lane almost 20 years ago, I had a brilliant coach and over the years, playing under him I knew I wanted to give that same experience to a team of my own. I took on my own team in June 2024 when I coached the under 8 silvers, who are now the under 9s, and have loved every minute. I’ve had so much support from everyone in the club from the committee to the parents, it’s been a journey and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Stephen Baker
I’ve been part of Gregson Lane since the days when my son Jack was running around in Tiny Feet. A couple of years ago, I joined the coaching staff for the Under-9s Blacks team, and from then on, something really special has grown.
Between myself, Ryan, and David, we’ve formed a strong bond both on and off the pitch. From every training session through to match day, the three of us work together, constantly talking, learning, and sharing ideas to help our players.
Our goal has always been the same: to give every single player the chance to improve, to learn, and to become the best version of themselves — not just as footballers, but as lads too.
We honestly can’t say enough about our players. We’re extremely proud of each and every one of them, and we’ll always be there to support them all the way.”
Matt Torbett
I’m 45. I was born in Blackburn and brought up in Clitheroe. Currently live in New Longton. Massive Man United fan. Love taking my son who plays for Gregson Lane, to Old Trafford. I played a lot of football when I was young. I loved playing centre half or in the centre of midfield. I’m a firm believer in making football fun, win, lose or draw.
Gary Butcher
I first joined Gregson Lane when my eldest started in the under-7s, and we’ve been part of the club ever since those early Tiny Feet days. These days, both of my children proudly wear the club colours, which makes the muddy boots and early mornings all worthwhile.
I’ve always tried to lend a hand wherever I can, and that eventually turned into taking on the coaching role for my youngest’s team. It’s been a privilege (and occasionally a test of patience) to help guide such a great group of kids as they learn the game.
For me, coaching is about more than drills and match results - it’s about helping the players grow in confidence, enjoy the sport, and realise just how good they can be. They don’t always listen to what I say, of course, but watching things click for them on the pitch is what makes it all so rewarding.
Sailesh Maisuria
I've always had a huge passion for football. Like many, my love for the game started on the pitch, playing for a Sunday League team in my teens and keeping up the fitness with friends in evening five-a-side games.
My journey to managing the U13s team at Gregson Lane was born out of necessity—and love. When the previous manager left and the team my son played for was on the verge of folding, I stepped up to take the reins. I've loved every minute of it since!
I believe football is about more than just skills; it's about life lessons. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our players develop their skills and grow their love for the game, both on and off the pitch. My biggest highlight is watching the players enjoy the sport, form strong friendships, and develop as young people.
I'm dedicated to creating a positive environment where every player feels they can express themselves and play with enthusiasm.
