League Newcomers Appoint New Manager

Leighton Town, promoted to the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central as champions of the Spartan South Midlands League, have appointed Gary Flinn as their new manager.

Flinn brings a wealth of experience as both a player and manager, most recently masterminding the success of United Counties League Premier Division South outfit Newport Pagnell Town in winning the Isuzu FA Vase at Wembley in 2022 and being runners-up this season after a close fought 1-0 defeat to Ascot United.

He was responsible for building a new team at Newport Pagnell and established them as a potent force at Step 5, clocking up an impressive win rate of 80% in all competitions during his tenure at Willen Road.

Flinn’s impressive CV also includes winning the United Counties League with Kempston Rovers in 2015/16, losing only one game.

He then established them as a competitive force at Step 4, finishing in sixth and seventh place in consecutive seasons in a very strong league, as well as orchestrating successful runs in the Emirates FA Cup and FA Trophy before departing to the Walnut Boys in order to take on a new challenge.

Flinn will be joined at Bell Close by his assistant, Gary Chance, a UEFA B coach who has played an important role in the success of Newport Pagnell over the last few years, as well as previously enjoying successful spells as a coach and at St Neots Town and Potton United.

Leighton Town’s Executive Committee have out on record its thanks to Newport Pagnell Town for their co-operation and understanding in attempting to manage the timing of this announcement.

We wish them well for next season and in their hunt for a new manager.