A striker with Chesterfield, York City and Boston United in his formative years, Ron moved into non-league to begin his managerial career and served both Worksop Town and Stafford Rangers with distinction, he was also handed the honour of managing England's semi-professional team.

He was one of the first men in the country to obtain the UEFA 'A' coaching licence and joined former team-mate Neil Warnock as assistant manager at both Bury and Oldham.

One of Warnock's first appointments at Bramall Lane was to add Ron to his coaching staff. He now takes charge of the footballing arm of United's impressive Academy and also coaches the reserves.