North Wales Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray has decided to step down at the end of the 2022 season.
Murray has a long association with the club and first joined Crusaders in 2014 as an assistant to Clive Griffiths, before stepping in as head coach midway through the campaign.
He led North Wales to iPro Sport Cup success in Blackpool during his first full season in charge, as well as clinching a spot in the League 1 play-offs.
After taking on a new challenge with Gloucestershire All Golds at the end of the 2016 season, Murray returned to Crusaders in early 2018 for his second spell in charge of the club.
The club has only gone from strength to strength under his guidance since then.
After narrowly missing out on the play-offs by a couple of points in 2019 and sitting out a season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crusaders finished third last term and made the League 1 play-offs for the first time since 2015.
His achievements in 2021 were recognised with the League 1 Coach of the Year award, which was voted for by fellow coaches.
North Wales have been one of the form teams this season, currently sitting second with 14 wins from a possible 17.
Murray said: “It comes with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step down at the end of the season.
“Myself, Alan and the rest of the coaching staff would like to thank all the board members and sponsors for their support during our coaching journey with Crusaders.
“Our 18th man - our fantastic fans - have supported our journey since day one and, without the Crusaders family behind the coaching staff and players, we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had over the last two seasons and before that.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have a fantastic coaching team around me who have worked tirelessly to create the right environment for our players to improve and succeed.
“My last but not least thanks go to our wonderful playing group.
“We have a special bunch of lads at Crusaders and we’ve loved coaching them, picking up some amazing victories and creating ever-lasting memories along the way.
“Please get behind the lads in the final three games as we aim to cement a good league finish, with a final push in the play-offs and wherever that may lead us.”
Everyone at North Wales Crusaders would like to thank Anthony Murray and his coaching staff for all they’ve achieved during his time as the club’s head coach.
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