After six successful years in charge of the footballing affairs of Sunderland RCA, manager Neil Hixon and head coach George Herd have decided to stand down with immediate effect. They will both stay with the club in an advisory capacity, and as part of the committee of the club.
David Lee and Stephen Halliday, who have been assisting Neil this season, will take charge of team affairs, with the continuing support of Ian Smith on the coaching side.
Sunderland RCA want to put on record their gratitude for the superb job Neil and George have done over the years and their ongoing commitment to the club. They will both continue to play a big part in the future of Sunderland RCA, without the pressure of day to day responsibility for results and performances.
Neil has led the club with determination and creativity, continually keeping RCA competitive against bigger clubs by continually finding new talent and blending new teams together quickly, and we owe a lot to his efforts, and will still help to develop the club.
At 77 years of age, and with a matchless record of service to clubs throughout North East football since 1961, George Herd is keen to finally retire from the coaching field for a well deserved rest, and we wish him well. He will still be around the club, helping and advising from his endless supply of coaching programmes and knowledge.