Change of Management at Kidlington

Joint manager Ben Sadler has changed his role at Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club Kidlington.

Sadler will now become community manager, focusing on growing the club within the local area, enhancing relationships with local schools and clubs, using existing and future grant funding for this process.

He will also look to bring more people into the ground on Saturdays, aiming to improve on the 6% increase in attendance figures from last season.

Sadler told his club’s website: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my four seasons managing this brilliant club. I really appreciate the unwavering support I have had. Win, lose or draw the club have seen the work we have put in and have supported us.

"The players have been amazing, and I appreciate the commitment it takes to play at this level. It feels the right time for me to take a break and we can be proud of our record as a management team. It feels the right time to step away from the dug-out and focus on growing the club and building on the work we do within the local community.

"I will still be around on home matchdays, just in a different capacity as we aim to grow the club, engaging people within the village and driving forward attendances.”

Mark Massingham has been appointed as Kidlington’s new manager.

Massingham, who joined Kidlington two seasons ago after managing near neighbours, Abingdon United, is looking forward to the task ahead, although he’s fully aware of the challenges that await.

He said: “It’s going to be a hard league next season with the clubs coming in and ones that were already there. We will be looking to push on again from last season’s 10th place and we will also look at progressing in the cup competitions as the season unfolds”.

Kidlington Web Site