Management Changes at Club Thorne Colliery and Crowle Colts

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

Thorne Colliery has appointed Gav Cooper as manager and Ben Simpson as assistant following the resignation of James Baxendale before the season began. Both Thorne Colliery and Crowle Colts, where Cooper and Simpson previously worked, have revamped their management teams in response to poor early-season performances.

Northern Counties East Division One club Thorne Colliery has appointed Gav Cooper as manager, with Ben Simpson joining as his assistant. The pair took over following the departure of former manager James Baxendale, who resigned for personal reasons prior to the start of the season. Cooper and Simpson joined Thorne after leaving league rivals Crowle Colts, where the team had recorded just four points from their first four league matches and were eliminated in the opening round of the League Cup.

At Thorne Colliery, Cooper and Simpson are supported by coaches Lee Ridley and Jon Taylor as they prepare to improve the club’s early-season performance. Meanwhile, Crowle Colts have filled the management vacancies by appointing Grant Black and Danny Frost. Black brings extensive experience, having previously managed Ossett Town, Belper Town, Ossett United, and most recently Brighouse Town, where Frost served as his assistant.

These changes come as both clubs seek to reset their campaigns following challenging starts in the Northern Counties East Division One competition.

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