Pearse impressed by Fox’s passion

Toolstation NCEL Division One

Selby Town chairman Ralph Pearse

Christian Fox’s long-term vision and passion for Selby Town won him the manager’s position, according to chairman Ralph Pearse.

Former and York City and Selby midfielder Fox beat off competition from 18 other candidates to “unanimously” win the race to succeed Nigel Emery.

A key reason why Selby have appointed Fox, who will be assisted by Easingwold Town manager Jonny Bruce, is his desire to look at the bigger picture at the club and not just at the first team.

“On his CV he said that he loves Selby Town,” Pearse told Non League Yorkshire.

“He also said that we should in the Premier Division and pushing for the Evo Stik League.

“He ticked all the boxes, not just with his coaching ability, but also with his vision and his passion for Selby Town.

“One thing Christian made a point of saying was that he and his colleagues want to leave a foundation at Selby for the next generation.

“I’m very excited about the appointment we have made and I can’t wait for pre-season

“He’s given us a list of players and that they’re looking to sign. There’s a lot of local lads on it and I think if he can sign most of them we will have an exciting team next season.

“Christian was the outstanding candidate. He’s been a professional at York City.

“He’s played at Whitby, another high standard and he played for Selby during some great times under Bob Lyon when the team never finished out of the top ten.

“I think a lot of the supporters will be pleased to see one of our most approachable former players in charge of the team.”

Although Fox was the manager of Poppleton United, he has been linked up with Selby since the end of last year through his All Star Football Academy. His business has an arrangement with Selby to provide football coaching for under 16s.

“We have been working together anyway since Christmas when we teamed up with his All Star Football Academy,” he added.

“I think that arrangement has been working well. The number of kids coming to sessions has been a very good number and very steady. It bodes well for the future.”