NEWS 22-02-2010
AS RIZZY CALLS IT A DAY, BOYLO TAKES CHARGE 

Hooky’s popular first team manager, Dave Risato has officially announced that, with immediate effect,  he is standing down from his duties with the North Oxfordshire club. Whilst Rizzy was keen to accept Chairman, Mike Barlow’s invitation to take over the managership at the beginning of the current season when the club was struggling to find an immediate replacement for the injured Karlton Stratford, he has since found that increasing family and business commitments have prevented him from fulfilling the role in the way that he wanted. His departure is on the friendliest of terms, with Rizzy stressing that, “I will always be around to help this club”. For its part, the club sincerely thanks Dave for his endeavours, once again, and understands fully his situation.

The club is most fortunate in that it has a ready-made replacement in the shape of Assistant Manager, Mark Boyland who has been looking after first team affairs in recent weeks when Rizzy has not been available and has also been instrumental in bringing new players to The Bourne. Boylo, a former player and prolific goal scorer with Cheltenham Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Worcester City and with other clubs, is relishing this opportunity and, in accepting this step up, has said,
“Whilst I fully understand where Dave is coming from and I thank him for inviting me to the club in the first place, I am nevertheless very excited about taking charge of the first team. There is no denying that, at the moment, as with many other clubs at our level, things are tough, both on and off the field of play but, when faced with these circumstances, you just get stuck in and carry on. The mood among my players is remarkably upbeat despite the hard season so far but, with the pleasing development of several young players and others whom I am introducing, I am very confident about the future.”

Mark will be assisted in his new role by club member, Steve Prentice.

Geoff James
Press Officer
Hook Norton Football Club