North joins the Hawks in a new role from rivals and now EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC, having previously worked with John Mousinho’s EFL League One title winning team. Shaun boasts a UEFA Pro-Licence, the highest coaching distinction in European football, and will bring a wealth of expertise to the Hawks, having coached with Pompey for over 20 years in numerous spells, among other coaching and management experience. Shaun originally left Portsmouth in 2007 to work as the Reserve Manager for Oxford United. In preparation for the 2007/08 season, he joined Torquay United as Assistant Manager under Paul Buckle. Shaun was appointed Assistant Manager under Buckle again before the 2011/12 season, this time at Bristol Rovers.
Shaun also worked briefly as Caretaker Manager at The Gas in January 2012, before Mark McGhee took over after Paul Buckle left. During his tenure as Caretaker Manager, Shaun faced then-Premier League side Aston Villa in the FA Cup Third Round at The Memorial Stadium, as well as being undefeated in two EFL League Two games against Hereford United and Crawley Town. Following his departure from Bristol Rovers in 2013, he served as Assistant Manager at Cheltenham Town, Eastbourne Borough, and Eastleigh.
Shaun returned to Pompey in 2016 to work in the Academy, where he would continue to work with a number of the club’s prospects until his appointment as First-Team Kitman in September 2021. Shaun continued to coach the First Team, drawing on his experience under Mousinho with Pompey, who were promoted back to the EFL Championship in April.
Hawks Chairman Derek Pope commented on the appointment:
“I’m happy to welcome Shaun to the Football Club. Following a lengthy search for a new Head Coach, I and the Board are happy to be able to appoint someone with Shaun’s coaching experience. I’d like to thank Portsmouth Football team, particularly Richard Hughes, for their aid in ensuring Shaun’s smooth transfer from one team to another.
Given Shaun’s knowledge and experience in the professional game, I am confident that our team will kick off the new season with vigour and expect a number of great outcomes early on.”
Shaun described his thoughts and feelings about joining the Hawks:
“I’m thrilled to be here, and I’m really looking forward to this chance. It’s been a fantastic season at Portsmouth, and I’m grateful for my time there. I’d like to thank the Chairman and the Board of Directors for believing in me, and I’m excited to work with them as their Head Coach. We still have a few months till the start of Pre-Season, but I’m already excited to get started.”
We are happy to have Shaun join the club and look forward to our next chapter under his leadership.
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