SOUTHAM United have signalled their intent to climb the non-league pyramid with the appointment of Jason Withe as their first director of football.
Withe, who had been assisting with pre-season training at Racing Club Warwick, takes on a new role at Banbury Road that will encompass all aspects of the club's football activities from the juniors through to the first team.
Withe, the son of form
er Aston Villa striker Peter, played for West Bromwich Albion and Burnley among a number of professional clubs, as well as gaining non-league experience at Telford United and Stafford Rangers.
After hanging up his boots he embarked on an extensive coaching career, taking in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, and is currently a Football Association tutor, delivering qualifications to budding coaches.
However, having moved to the area earlier in the year, Withe was keen to get involved with a club close to his Warwick base.
"I contacted the Southam chairman when I read of Barry Shearsby's departure," said Withe.
"Although I offered to help out at Racing Club after meeting up with manager Ryan Cranton at a coaching course, I was looking for something more permanent to which I could put my experience to good use.
"I have a lot of contacts, both in the professional game and the non-league set up, and will be looking to bring a number of local players to the club."
Withe will work with first-team manager Luke Fogarty to achieve the immediate promotion chairman Charles Hill sees as essential to his ambition of turning the club into a major force in non-league football.
The appointment has been welcomed by Fogarty, who stepped up from assistant to replace Shearsby.
He said: "It's a big step forward for the club. Having someone with Jason's background will be a great learning experience for everyone and the players are really looking forward to it."
Coming hot on the heels of the news Saints will be fielding a team in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Eastern Division this season, these are exciting times for a club that has never progressed beyond step 6 in its 105-year history.
Hill said: "We have set out our development plan and agreement with Jason that will see the new youth team become a full-time academy side linked to the launch of a post-academy reserve side for 18 to 21-year-olds.
"On top of this, we want to see the first team flourish as it is our shop window and provides an opportunity for those youngsters coming through the new academy set-up to progress in non-league football and beyond."
Hill is known to be working on a funding plan that would see Saints develop their facilities to match their playing ambitions.
He expects to make an announcement within the next two months along with public consultation on plans for the ground.
