Rossington Main FC can today announce that club legend Ben Hunter has stepped down in his role as first team manager, following a remarkable five-year spell at the club. Hunter has decided to take a break from football to spend more time with his family and focus more on his business commitments.
 
Having taken charge in 2019, during his tenure, Hunter guided Rosso to a Northern Counties East League Division One play-off semi-final against North Ferriby F.C. in 2022 and achieved the club's first-ever promotion to Non-League step 5 the following year after a historic play-off final victory over Horbury Town in 2023 in front of 1,164 fans at Oxford Street. In our debut season at this level last campaign of which during the pre-season we set an attendance record of 1,697 against Doncaster Rovers, the team narrowly missed out on another play-off final after a tense penalty shootout in the NCEL Premier semi-final away at Garforth Town. Hunter also helped the club reach two domestic cup semi-finals and also ended an 11-year wait in returning Rosso back into the oldest national football competition, the Emirates FA Cup.

Hunter’s impact went beyond results as he introduced an attractive, possession-based style of football to Rossington. His ability to blend experience with youth was clear, bringing in seasoned players like Ross Hannah, Liam King, Greg Young and Brad Grayson to bolster the squad. At the same time, he wasn’t afraid to give young talent a chance such as Bailey Conway, who made the first team at just 16 and later had a trial with Doncaster Rovers before moving to Non-League step 2 and 3. Bobby Faulkner who is now also a professional and not forgetting the exciting additions Hunter introduced such as Manasse Kianga - a firm fan favourite, Paul Sherburn, Cody Prior, Mitch Langton, Cameron Hough, Jack Harrison, Ashley Worsfold plus the likes of Harry Sheppeard and Jim Pollard, who both now play at Non-League step 4. Also, 16-year-old Lewis Graham who is following a similar path, and Hunter’s strong ties with Doncaster Rovers also helped secure top-quality loan signings like Freddie Allen and Kenzie Dillon, with Allen also now on professional terms with the Rovers.
 
Rossington Main chairman Daniel Linstrum said: "I can’t thank Ben enough for his dedication both on and off the field. He has provided so many great memories for our football club, and we will forever be grateful for that unforgettable promotion-winning season. I’m also proud to say myself and Ben have become good friends and we will stay in regular contact as we continue building on his hard work. He leaves us with a strong squad, and I’m confident his legacy will carry on."
 
Hunter leaves his role as first team manager with the club in a stronger position than when he arrived with the foundations set and our next manager will inherit a very good squad of players but importantly a brilliant set of lads.
 
The club have installed club captain Greg Young as interim manager while the club takes its time to consider all of our options. So, let’s all get behind Youngy and the lads this weekend as we enter a new era at home against Parkgate on Saturday 14th September with a 3PM kick-off.