Tony on short list for coach award

DEVOTED SERVICE: Tony Philliskirk has been a key member of the Athletic staff for 17 years.

TONY Philliskirk heads to St George’s Park toniught for the FA Licensed Coaches' Club Awards.

Shortlisted for the award of professional phase coach of the year, Philliskirk is delighted simply to have got to this stage. He drove to the Burton coaching hub this afternoon with wife Lesley, ahead of an evening that celebrates the achievements of top coaches at all levels of the game.

Last season Athletic’s academy manager guided the under-18s to second place in the Football League Youth Alliance, North-West Conference, and took his youngsters to Lancashire FA Youth Cup final glory by seeing off Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

“I am both surprised and humbled,” Philliskirk said. “It is recognition of the work that we do here. I don’t expect to win it, but regardless of what happens it shows the club in a good light.

“For 17 years, they have supported me wholeheartedly.”