Paul Quinn was present for the darkest day in Shaw Lane AFC's history but now hopes to lead them to their best moments as their new manager.
Quinn was manager of Brighouse Town last season when they hosted Shaw Lane in a cup tie and Ducks player Daniel Wilkinson died on the pitch. Although a deeply tragic event, it brought Quinn closer to the officials at Shaw Lane and – after leaving Brighouse at the end of last season – he has been chosen to replace Craig Elliott who left for Boston United last week.
The 33-year-old from Mirfield – who works for the FA as a 'coach mentor' – got Brighouse promoted to the Evo-Stik League and led them to the highest position in their history. He is the son of Gerry Quinn, who was successful with Emley, and the grandson of Ian Greaves, who took Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers into the top flight.
Paul said: "Unfortunately the relationship started in sad circumstances but it showed the power of football the way that the two clubs came together. I feel that it is fate that I am now Shaw Lane manager, which is a great privilege. I am absolutely delighted. I needed a rest after working really hard at Brighouse for six years but I am ready to give my all to another project now. I was looking for an ambitious club and this was a no-brainer."
Owner Craig Wood said: "Paul was there when we had all that stuff with Dan and we got to know him through that. He's a really good fit for us. He did really well with Brighouse and got them promoted then established them on a challenging budget.
"It's a case of reinforcing the good work done under Craig Elliott. There will be a bit of a different feel around the club with him in charge but I don't expect much change in the playing staff, apart from the odd tweak."
Quinn will be assisted by John Reed who was Elliott's assistant before acting as one of the caretakers for the last two matches, along with Doug O'Connor and players Neil Austin and Ryan Qualter. On Saturday, Shaw Lane won 3-1 at home to eighth-placed Stourbridge who, like their hosts, had played several fewer matches than most of the teams above them and arrived in Barnsley knowing they would be joint top if they won all their games in hand.
Spencer Harris netted twice in five minutes midway through the first half with a penalty then a superb strike to put the Ducks 2-0 ahead. Chib Chilaka made it three after the break then the visitors got a consolation goal. The match was delayed due to an injury to a linesman.
Shaw Lane now have 38 points from 18 matches, seven more than Stourbridge, and are fourth in the table. But they are only three points behind leaders Altrincham and two off second-placed Warrington Town, with two games in hands on both of those clubs, while they have played three fewer than third-placed Grantham Town who they trail on goal difference.
The Ducks are yet to play any of the top three but are due to meet them all next month as they are scheduled to host Warrington Town on December 2, then visit Altrincham a week later before Grantham Town arrive on Boxing Day. Tomorrow they visit 19th-placed Nantwich Town.
Quinn said: "We want to be fighting for promotion this season. Usually when a new manager comes in, it is because the club is struggling but, in this case, they are flying and they have a really, really good squad. I want to consolidate on the good work done already but I also believe I can add value and improve the club in certain areas."
