OSWESTRY pub and nightclub owner, Carleton Leonard, has taken on a new role – helping out a local soccer team.
And the dependable former Shrewsbury Town full back of the 70s and 80s, has the pedigree to take his adopted side, Ellesmere Rangers, to even greater heights.
The 52-year-old coach is now working with the Midland Alliance outfit where his son, Nathan, is a key midfield player.
His first game on the Ellesmere bench alongside team boss Matt Burton was in the 2-0 victory over Biddulph Victoria where they battled to a workmanlike 2-0 victory last Monday.
“It was a good solid performance, considering they have not played for a while,” he said.
“They (Buddulph) came across as a physical side, but once you have matched them for that, the football eventually takes over,” he added.
He says he is not there to put any pressure on manager Matt Burton who is a good friend.
“I have been a friend of Burty for a number of years, so he asked me to come on board and see if I can help in any way. There is no hidden agenda. I will help him out as best I can,” he insisted.
“It was an arrangement that suited me because I can’t give 100 per cent because of my business interests. but they are a local club which helps,” he explained.
“Matty just needs another voice, someone to bounce off. Andy Mulliner (assistant boss) is playing so he can’t bounce ideas off him and you need that,” he added.
Up until six months ago Carleton had a role coaching Shrewsbury Town’s Centre of Excellence and his departure is not something he wishes to dwell on but he is delighted to be back involved in football even though it could throw up a conflict of interest with his son, Nathan.
“I am sure there is going to be hurdles we will both have to overcome. There are certain standards that I expect. I am probably Nathan’s biggest critic but I am also his biggest fan,” he said.
Carlelton is also delighted with other aspects of the Ellesmere club where the standard of facilities could soon rival the professionalism on the field.
“They are planning for new changing rooms and there is a lot of good work going on behind the scenes,” he said.