Nick Gray, our manager for the past nine seasons, would like to issue the following statement after announcing his decision to step down as boss of the Highwaymen:
It was nine years ago this month when I was successful in gaining the manager’s job at Morpeth Town, having been one of two applicants for the position. It was then the chairman (Jim Smith) said to me “congratulations on getting the job but just to let you know I wasn’t one of the five who voted for you.” At that point I knew it was going to be a challenge but I also knew it would one I would relish and for the most part I’ve enjoyed it.
Since the first day I have been with the club, I have always done, in my opinion, what I felt was best for the club and my decision now, I feel, will help the club going forward.
Around February this year I thought about stepping down and had conversations with Ken Beattie. After a few weeks of reflection I had made my mind up to finally step down from the manager’s role.
Unfortunately, my final season was ended early by the Coronavirus outbreak. But I will have no regrets over that as football pales into insignificance in comparison; thankfully, and hopefully, we are over the worst of it and people can maybe begin to look forward more positively.
Whilst there are several reasons why I have stepped down, some must remain private. Unfortunately, there were times last season when, for the first time, my thought process, commitment and preparation wasn’t 100%, and was about 90%. Some of this was due to issues outside of football and it was at that point that I knew this was a situation which was not fair on Morpeth Town.
Of course, it’s a tough decision for me; it’s sad to be giving out this statement and, honestly, I will never know if I’ve made the right decision.
It feels surreal at the moment because I’ve always given everything for this club, and those people close to me know the effort, passion and dedication I have given to job of being the manager of Morpeth; there have been a few sacrifices during my time at the club.
It has been excellent seeing the progress that the club has made both on and off the pitch which is a tribute to all the hard work of the committee and various volunteers.
In my nine years at the helm, all the players who have passed through my hands, together with the various backroom staff, have all made a productive and positive impact on Morpeth Town and assisted in moving the club to its present heady position within the football pyramid.
There have been the odd bad times, such as when leaving players out of squads and again when unfortunately seeing players leave the club; it is the latter when I am at my saddest.
I’m immensely proud of what the club has achieved in my time at the helm and there have been many entertaining games with some memorable wins.
Three of my highlights were when gaining promotion, at Brandon, thus taking our side into the first division of the Northern League from the second tier. Obviously the main two were winning the FA Vase semi-final at Craik Park, with a last-minute winner, then beating the competition’s “favourites”, and probably the biggest club to appear in the final itself, Hereford so convincingly (in the end) 4-1.You had to remember that in that winning season it took us nine rounds to get to Wembley.
That Wembley victory gave vast amounts of people within our region so much happiness and many glorious memories over that unforgettable weekend. I will always treasure and be very proud of that magnificent achievement.
Winning the Northumberland Senior Cup was also a great achievement but unfortunately I always remember how, within some quarters and after the game, there was a feeling of disappointment that we didn’t win it more convincingly, something I felt at the time was totally disrespectful to North Shields because they played so well on the night. Some people forget that our side had been in the middle of playing nine games in 29 days.
To be honest, the disappointment, of some, when winning the County Cup showed me how far the club has actually come.
Going into the unknown of the NPL East Division and winning it convincingly by 12 points was another great achievement by the club.
Both on and off the field, Morpeth has changed massively over the past nine years and all for the better; that was due in no small part to the hard work from a lot of people who have the club at heart. But I believe, for the club to continue to go forward, it needs more help.
I keep on mentioning the word “club” (Morpeth) because for me that is the most important thing and I can, hand on heart, say that everything I have done for “the Peth”, since day one, was in the best interests of Morpeth Town. I have had some disappointments, but the achievements wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t learned from minor setbacks.
I would like to thank all the committee members, media personnel, volunteers and of course the supporters. Hopefully the fan base will continue to grow.
I’ve got a lot to thank Ken Beattie for as he has been by my side the whole time and I will never forget persuading him to take the full squad to Portugal (twice) and Qatar (twice) for team bonding with all expenses paid. No other club, at this level or even above, could say they have experienced that type of support from their chairman.
Over the years we have had a few fall outs, differences of opinion, disagreements and arguments but I’ve lasted longer in the relationship with Ken than I did my two marriages so I must have been doing something right!
I hope I have given him some happy and unforgettable memories for his number one love -Morpeth Town – because no-one deserves success more than Ken for what he gives this club. I will always class him as a very good friend.
I would also like to thank my family, loved ones and close friends who have ALWAYS stood by me when it mattered most.
Finally, having previously mentioned players and staff, a special thanks must go to both Jon McDonald and Dave Malone as I couldn’t have wished for a better twosome to be by my side through it all. When you throw in the keeper coaches, physios, kitmen and match analysts, it sums up the spirit within the club and within non-league football. All the aforementioned have backed and supported me unequivocally through everything.
As I’ve said previously, I have made this decision mainly to assist the club in continuing its progress because I feel it has great potential and just needs to realise it. For this to happen it needs to gain a lot more people, all pulling in the right and same direction.
Finally, my journey as manager has ended at this fantastic club and now it is a new chapter for Stephen Turnbull as he takes over the reins. I wish him every success in the future and hope he has as much success, and even more, than I enjoyed. He is a very knowledgeable, passionate and hungry lad who will make a success of it. He will obviously need the backing and support of everyone at the club and when he has the odd bad day, that’s when it is important that everyone gets behind him.
Me – I’m a bit nervous, but hopeful and excited for what the future will bring.
Thanks for the memories; up the Peth!
Nick Gray
