AFC Telford make Luke Shelley football operations manager
AFC Telford United have announced Joe Murphy is stepping down as football secretary – and head of youth Luke Shelley is replacing him.
Murphy joined the Bucks last year, after serving as secretary and director at Worcester City.
He is leaving after finding it 'difficult to combine the football secretary duties with his full-time day job', with Shelley officially taking over under the title of football operations manager on July 1.
"I am delighted that the club have offered me the position as football operations manager ahead of the new season," said Shelley.
"Having worked with Joe, I understand the importance of the role and ensuring the position is carried out in a very effective manner.
"My new role will not affect my current duties within the club and I am looking forward to working closely with those involved in the academy and community scheme, where we continue to make a huge difference to young people in Telford."
Shelley has served the club in a variety of roles, involved with the running youth section, community coaching, media and the on-site artificial pitches known as the Goalzone.
Telford say has been 'successfully delegating' some of his day-to-day responsibilities in recent months – part-time staff taking on more of the community coaching, as well as appointing Declan Allen, Pete Field and Ben Sohier to become part time head Of phases within the club’s academy programme.
Shelley was also serving as kit manager on matchdays. A new person will be employed for that part-time role.
On Murphy's departure, a club statement said: "Joe Murphy our football secretary for the season just ended is leaving AFC Telford United at the end of June 2018.
"Joe did a great job for us last season and his experience of the same role at other clubs was a huge asset to us.
"Understandably though Joe has found it difficult to combine the football secretary duties with his full-time day job and other responsibilities.
"The board of directors would like to thank Joe Murphy for carrying out the football secretary duties in a very efficient manner and also to congratulate Luke Shelley on his new expanded role."
