Mustoe appointment an early Christmas gift for Rovers faithful

INTERIM MANAGER APPOINTMENT

Tuffley Rovers have moved quickly to appoint Neil Mustoe, the former Gloucester City captain, who had a successful career as a professional footballer, as their new manager on an interim basis until the end of the 2021/22 playing season.

Ritchie Warden – who was yesterday confirmed as holding a caretaker role following the departure of Rich Cox on Sunday – will take charge of the squad in their fixture against Longlevens on 27 December, when Mustoe will have a watching brief and the new manager’s first match in charge will be the home game against Brimscombe & Thrupp on 3 January.

Rovers’ Head of Football Development, Ken Blackburn, worked with Mustoe when they were both involved at Gloucester City and moved quickly to canvas his interest when Cox stood down but hadn’t necessarily anticipated to be in a position to appoint so quickly.

“I’ve kept in touch with Muzzy (Mustoe) on a regular basis and when Rich Cox stood down he seemed the perfect candidate, so I got in touch”, Blackburn confirmed. “I wasn’t necessarily expecting him to be in a position to help now, so it was a really pleasant surprise to find he could take on the role from the New Year.”

Chairman Dan Boon also welcomed the appointment.

“I’m pleased to announce that Neil has agreed to take the role on an interim basis until the end of the season”, he said. “The pedigree and leadership qualities that Muzzy will bring is exactly what the squad needs right now.”

Mustoe started his professional career at Manchester United, playing in the 1995 FA Youth Cup winning side, before spells at Wigan Athletic, Cambridge United, Stevenage Borough and Yeovil Town. He then moved to his home town club, making almost 350 appearances for City before his retirement in 2014.

Warden, who served as the Assistant Manager to Cox, will remain as part of Mustoe’s coaching team.