Member Article

Stoke van firm service manager celebrates FA award

A service manager from Nottinghamshire is celebrating after his junior football team was awarded a much sought-after FA award. Jon Stubbs, who works at Imperial Commercials Volkswagen Van Centre in Leek New Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, has coached Priory Green Celtic in Kimberley for six years and says he was ‘shocked and proud’ when he was contacted by FA officials awarding the club a Charter Standard Certificate of Recognition. The honour came after Jon, from Langley Mill, and his team were assessed by Nottinghamshire FA officials who praised the team for their commitment, sportsmanship and respect of the officials and opponents Only six per cent of teams in the past three seasons have achieved such an award. The 45-year-old Nottingham Forest fan said: “It was like a ‘mystery shopper’ assessment. We have no idea we were being monitored and, if anything, that’s what makes it more satisfying. “It came as a total shock but I’m proud - myself, the team and their abilities have been praised and I’m glad the assessor enjoyed the game – it was a seven goal thriller with us winning 4-3. It’s great honour for the club.” Back at the day job, Jon, who has been with Imperial Commercials for six years, admitted he brings his coaching style into his day-to-day management. He explained: “I’m very much a person who likes to encourage our employees and know that no one person can be managed the same way; it’s a person-to-person approach. “We hold regular meetings and make sure everyone is aware of what is going on so people are able to carry out their job to the best of their ability. “I very much have an ‘open door’ policy and I think that that contributes to the tight-knit group we have here.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adam Thompson .