Dean Gill exits Bilston to take reins at Darlaston

The football manager, who has also had spells at Wednesfield and Wolverhampton Casuals, was contacted about the vacant job at Darlaston last Saturday.

The Walsall-based club also spoke to Bilston and, after Gill and the Steelers spoke on Monday, they were unable to agree the manager some time to consider his options.

“I said to Bilston that I needed a bit of time to consider what is right for me, my family, players and staff, but Bilston wanted answers quickly and I couldn’t give them it,” Gill told the Express & Star.

“I wasn’t prepared to work to an unnecessary timescale. I fully respect they have to do what is right for their club and I accept that, but it’s the same for me.

“Resigning on Monday morning allowed me to continue negotiations with Darlaston and others. Their timescales didn’t meet mine, and that was it. I wasn’t prepared to be forced into a decision.”

Gill spent a year with Bilston and although it was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic he is sad to leave the supporters.

“It was an extremely difficult decision in relation to the supporters, who were unbelievable,” Gill added.

“I asked the supporters to get behind what we were doing and they couldn’t have done any more. The supporters have been top, unbelievable. I know some aren’t happy with me and I fully understand that.

“I’m a volunteer working 30 hours a week and get no money, which is fine and my choice, but I have to work in an environment and timescale that I want to.

“I feel sympathy for the supporters, but the decision I made was ultimately the right one for me, and probably for Bilston too as they need a manager 100 per cent committed to everything at the club.”

Gill now joins West Midlands League Premier Division rivals Darlaston and is likely to take some familiar faces with him.

“There’s an agreement that they’ll (Bilston) release all of the players,” Gill said. “That was their offer, which was great. At the moment all the lads are available should they want to come.

“There is a squad at Darlaston already and they don’t automatically all leave.

“This isn’t about the whole Darlaston team leaving and the whole Bilston team coming in, there’s nobody being shown the door at Darlaston.

“I am delighted to join the Chairman and his wider team at Darlaston.

“I’m not aware of any club within many a mile that have what Darlaston has in relation to the complete package.

“It’s a club so well run and looked after, that will give us all the support and resources to be the best we possibly can be.”