Bishop Auckland Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Gray as the new Manager of Bishop Auckland FC.
Martin is no stranger to Heritage Park, which was his home ground during his time as manager of Darlington FC, and he brings with him a wealth of experience at both non-league and professional levels.
While Martin has previously held managerial positions at Oldham Athletic and York City, he is best known for his highly successful spell at Darlington FC. Appointed on 28 May 2012, Martin signed a two-year deal and remained with the club until 2017, overseeing one of the most successful periods in their recent history.
During his tenure, Martin guided Darlington to the Northern League Division One title in his first season. The following campaign saw the club reach the NPL North play-off semi-finals, before securing promotion the next season by winning the NPL North play-off final. In the 2015–16 season, Darlington went on to win the NPL Premier Division, before finishing fifth in the National League North the following year.
Martin has also previously worked with our neighbours Shildon FC in the role of Sporting Director.
As a player, Martin enjoyed a distinguished career, representing Sunderland, Aldershot, Fulham, Oxford United, Darlington, and Bishop Auckland FC, further strengthening his long-standing connection with the club.
Martin will be joined in the technical area by Stevie Johnson and Dean Browne.
Chairman Steve Coulthard said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Martin as Manager of Bishop Auckland FC. We all know the challenge ahead will be a difficult one, but we firmly believe Martin is the right person to lead us forward and help us secure the points we need to remain in this league.”
On his appointment, Martin said: “I am extremely grateful to the Chairman and Directors for the opportunity to become Manager of Bishop Auckland FC, and I am proud to take on this role alongside my coaching staff, Dean Browne and Steven Johnson.
I am really looking forward to getting back to work with the players and reconnecting with a club that means a great deal to me. Heritage Park has been a huge part of my journey as a manager, including achieving three promotions, and it is a place where I believe success can be built again.
Our immediate focus is on keeping the club in the league, and I firmly believe we have more than enough time, quality and determination to achieve that. There are still plenty of points to play for, and supporters can expect a team that works hard, plays with pride, and gives everything for the badge. I am excited by the challenge ahead and confident that, together with the fans, we can move forward with real belief and ambition.”
Martin will spend the coming week getting to know the players and working alongside Mikey Roberts, who will continue to manage the team until after Saturday’s match away at Ossett. Martin will officially take charge following that fixture, although he will be present at the game.
The club would like to thank all applicants for their interest and wishes them well in their future careers.
We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Mikey Roberts and Jack Purdham, who have provided outstanding support over recent weeks, working tirelessly and going above and beyond expectations to ensure the continued running of the team during this period.