Spennymoor Town is delighted to announce that club legend Gavin Cogdon will take over as Interim Head of Spennymoor Town Youth FC.

The former Moors goal scorer will assume the position when Andy Lowe steps down to take on another role from next week.

Cogdon’s career in sports strength and conditioning has flourished since his retirement from playing in 2020.  His health and wellbeing programmes have delivered results in varied settings ranging from professional sports teams to employee wellbeing.

His experience of working with young people and football coaching will be invaluable as he ensures the Chief Executive’s vision of a community club for people in Spennymoor is realised.

Brad Groves, Chief Executive of Spennymoor Town FC, has thanked Andy Lowe for his efforts over the last three years.

He said: “Andy has done a terrific job, using his experience from the FA to drive a number of improvements, including national accreditations, excellence in safeguarding and standards of coaching.

“I would like to thank Andy and welcome Gav into a new role at an exciting time for the youth football club.

“There are a number of new developments taking place over the next 12 months, which have already begun.  We now have Luke Cowie, our dedicated Community Development Manager, in-role.  He works across the entire club with a remit to deliver social value in Spennymoor.

“Gav has a rich history within the club and was always a supporters’ favourite in his time on the pitch.  He can offer youth players and coaches his unique strength, conditioning, health and wellbeing expertise alongside advice from an exceptional playing career in non-league.

“He will be working closely with Ian Geldard, Club General Manager, to enhance STYFC’s place within the wider club and champion the one club mentality already established.

“The coaching he has delivered to date has received great feedback and I know the parents and players will love what he’ll bring to the club.”

Gavin Cogdon said: “Andy leaves a brilliant legacy at the club and I will strive to emulate the impact he has made.

“I have developed young athletes and sportspeople for more than a decade now.  This is a new role for me, but one in which I believe I can bring a fresh approach.

“I have been fully briefed and am aware of our short-term priorities.  I will be meeting with coaches and parents at the start of August to ensure I have had as many valuable discussions as possible.

“I will also be ensuring that the appropriate links with Spennymoor Town FC remain.

“I believe that if a child enjoys their time playing football, it’s irrelevant what level they reach in the game.  This is not an elitist footballing academy; it is a community football club.  But, for players who want to continually improve, I will take pride in this club coaching them to become a better player than when they joined.

“This will form the foundations for our approach and I look forward to meeting everyone in August.”

Cogdon scored 259 goals for Spennymoor and was the club’s all-time top scorer until he was surpassed by Glen Taylor last season.