Bishop’s Cleeve Football Club has strengthened its coaching team with the return of John Brough, a highly regarded figure in local football circles. The 52-year-old former defender and manager, who recently left Gloucester City, will now assist manager Paul Collicutt as part of the club’s backroom staff.
Brough brings extensive experience to the team, having played for clubs including Notts County, Shrewsbury Town, Hereford United, and Cheltenham Town. He joined Cheltenham Town in the summer of 1998, playing a key role in their promotion from the National League during his first season. He later contributed significantly to Cheltenham’s successful push to League One via the play-offs in the 2001/02 campaign.
Following his time at Cheltenham, which ended in 2005, Brough played for Aldershot Town and Newport County before returning to semi-professional football at Bishop’s Cleeve. Alongside playing, he worked within Cheltenham’s academy, supporting youth development. His coaching career advanced as he became both head of youth and assistant manager to Martin Allen.
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Brough’s managerial credentials grew as he led Cinderford Town to the Southern League Division One South and West title in the 2015/16 season, before spells managing North Leigh and Cirencester Town.
Most recently, Brough spent a year at Gloucester City under manager Mike Cook and assistant Marc McGregor. However, following Cook’s departure after a play-off final defeat, Brough also left the club.
Now back at Bishop’s Cleeve, Brough joins a coaching lineup that includes Freddy Ward, Tommy Callinan, Matt Jeynes, Gary Baines, Ally Major, and Pat Cleal. The club’s next fixture is a pre-season friendly against Cheltenham Town at Kayte Lane on Friday, July 4, with kick-off at 7pm.