Manager Mick O’Connell leaves Tadcaster Albion after two seasons

After the Northern Counties Eastern League Premier Division season wrapped up on Saturday, Tadcaster have made the decision to part ways with O’Connell after two seasons at the helm.

O’Connell made the switch to Albion from Harrogate Railway at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, when the Brewers had first been relegated to that level of football.

The manager had the task of forming an almost entirely new squad, and helped steer Tadcaster to an 11th placed finish, ending the 2023/24 season on 53 points.

This season hasn’t seen an improvement for the Brewers, who have managed a 17th place finish with 37 points, two places above the relegation zone.

A run of eight matches without a win saw Tadcaster struggle at the end of the season, with their 1-0 defeat to play-off bound Beverley Town being the final straw on Saturday.

In a club statement, Tadcaster wrote on their club website: “Due to a poor league position and inconsistent results the board have decided that we need a refresh and consequently Mick O Connell has left Tadcaster Albion.

“This season saw us finish 17th, just two places above the relegation places.

“The Directors would like to thank Mick for all his hard work over the last two seasons, especially all the hard work off the pitch supporting our Community programme and working with sponsors.

“When he joined the club just after we had been relegated, he stabilised the on pitch performance in his first season, but failed to build on a good finish from last season, with some very inconsistent results this season.”

“Anyone interested in applying for the position of manager should send there CV to [email protected] closing date is Monday 27 April.”

Memories of O’Connell’s time in charge include the FA Cup match with National League North side Chester last season, in front of a bumper crowd at the Young Guns Arena.