Burr brings out the best in Nuneaton
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There were scenes of great celebration at Broadhall Way on Tuesday evening when Nuneaton Borough won the right to travel to Stoke City in the first round of the FA Cup, after coming from behind to beat their hosts, Stevenage Borough.
There were scenes of great celebration at Broadhall Way on Tuesday evening when Nuneaton Borough won the right to travel to Stoke City in the first round of the FA Cup, after coming from behind to beat their hosts, Stevenage Borough.
It is five years since the managerless Warwickshire club last reached the first round of the Cup, and the prospect of a visit to Stoke's luxurious Britannia stadium was clearly something to savour for the Nuneaton players and coaching staff, as they raced to embrace their supporters after their stirring 2-1 win in Tuesday's fourth qualifying round replay.
Robin Trott headed Stevenage into the lead against the run of play, but a Mark Smith own goal and a late winner from Alex Sykes ensured justice was done. "The lads stuck at it. They kept passing the ball and I thought we thoroughly deserved to win it," Steve Burr, Nuneaton's caretaker manager, said. He was promoted from his role as coach last month after the dismissal of the manager, Brendan Phillips, following a poor start to Borough's Nationwide Conference campaign.
Burr, a local legend in his days as a striker with Midlands clubs such as Stafford Rangers, Hednesford Town and Macclesfield Town, has had his spell in control at Manor Park extended after several good results. Borough's chairman, Phil Clayton, said: "Steve is firmly in our thoughts. He is on the shortlist and is doing a fine job at the moment. We will not be rushing into a decision."
John Beck, the former Cambridge United manager who was seen taking copious notes at Stevenage on Tuesday, is the most experienced of the external candidates linked with the vacancy, but if Burr continues his current good run it will be hard for the directors to look elsewhere. "I feel I've done quite well and I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've made no secret of the fact that I would like to be a manager."
After Conference games at Dover tomorrow and at home to Hednesford seven days later, Burr, assuming he is still in charge, can turn his attentions to the FA Cup trip to the Potteries on 18 November. "I don't live far from Stoke," he said, "and I'm a Staffordshire lad. We couldn't wish for a better draw."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments