Albion Sports' Mohammed Rizwan opens up on managerial exit

Last Saturday, it was confirmed that he would no longer be in the West Yorkshire side’s dugout for next season, which came as a major surprise to many in the non-league circle.

For Rizwan, it’s pastures new, but he’ll remain at Albion in a different role as Neil Sibson and Craig Ogilvie take over the management side of things.

“The saying goes ‘all good things must come to an end’ and with that being said, my time as manager has come to an end.

“I have decided to step down as manager as I will be travelling for work over the next 12 months,” the former Albion boss said.

He added: “I will be taking up a new role at the club which will involve me developing the club’s infrastructure and working closely with the chairman to develop our new ground.

“Also, I will continue to communicate and work alongside the management team and oversee the football operations at the club.”

Albion (yellow) go ahead in their play-off semi-final against Campion through Ash Flynn (Image: Martin Taylor)

Reflecting on his time managing the club, Rizwan said: “It’s been a huge honour and I’ve had an amazing time at Albion Sports.

“We fell just short in the play-off finals (last season), however, to reach the final was a huge achievement for Albion in itself.

“I’m my own biggest critic, but I know I’ll be leaving the team in a much better and healthier position compared to when I first joined the club. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.

“I’ve managed to bring some fantastic people to the club, and I have nothing but faith in Neil and Craig to continue where we left off, and hopefully go one better.”

He added: “Lastly, I’d like to thank all the players and coaching staff who worked with me over the past three seasons; it’s been a pleasure.”

Last season, Albion had their best ever season to date, having finished 5th in the NCEL Premier Division (reached the play-off final), while they progressed further than they ever have done before in both the FA Vase and FA Cup.

Via their social media, the club expressed their gratitude for the work Rizwan has done over the last three years.

They said: “As a club we are disappointed to be losing Riz as a manager because he has done an incredible job since arriving here. Reaching the play-offs last season was an over achievement in our eyes.

“Following discussions, Riz will still be supporting the club and working alongside the chairman in developing the club’s infrastructure and supporting the new management team.

“We are also pleased to announce our new management team which will consist of Neil Sibson and Craig Ogilvie. Neil and Craig joined Albion Sports in the summer as part of Riz’s coaching staff.

“Both are no strangers to the league having won promotion with Yorkshire Amateurs, whilst they also managed Tadcaster Albion.

“We are delighted that they’ve both agreed to stay on and take up the role as managers to build on the success from last season.”

In other news, Tom Greaves who has been joint manager of Thackley AFC since being appointed with Danny Forrest on 12 January 2023, has also made the decision to step down from his role.

Greaves informed the club at the end of the season that he wished to focus on playing once more, rather than taking on the challenging role of being player/manager. 

Tom Greaves (red) has called a day on his player/manager role next season alongside Danny Forrest. (Image: Martin Taylor)

Forrest will be sole manager of the Dennyboys for the forthcoming season, and will be assisted by assistant manager, Matty Dempsey, and goalkeeping coach, Ben Higginson, both of whom will continue in their current roles