One of the members of the squad who won a treble with Manchester United looks unrecognisable after being crowned manager of the month in the National League North.
The Red Devils famously won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the 1998/1999 season. The achievement was completed at the Nou Camp in May 1999, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scoring the winner against Bayern Munich to seal a comeback win in the Champions League final.
Jonathan Greening was still establishing himself at Old Trafford that season having arrived from York City in March 1998. He made seven appearances in that treble-winning season and was an unused substitute in the win over Bayern.
After leaving United in 2001, he enjoyed a successful career at Middlesbrough, West Brom and Nottingham Forest, before retiring in 2017. He took over as manager of Scarborough Athletic in May 2021, enjoying a successful time in charge of the Seadogs.
He led them to promotion from the Northern Premier League and also won the North Riding Senior Cup in his first season at the club. And his second campaign has been equally as impressive.
In December, Greening led his side to two wins and a draw, with league leaders Darlington and Peterborough Sports both beaten. That ensured the Seadogs finished the calendar year in third place, just two points off top spot with a game in hand.
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That unbeaten month saw Greening named manager of the month for the National League North. The 44-year-old looks unrecognisable from his time at Old Trafford, where he was known for his luscious locks and a clean-shaven face.
Now though, Greening has cut back his hair and sports a bushy grey beard. In recognition of his impressive work so far, Scarborough recently handed him a new three-year deal, a reward Greening was delighted to receive.
“I am very grateful to the Chairman and Board for wanting to keep me in charge for a long time. I am looking forward to taking the club forward both on and off the pitch. My job is to try and keep improving every single training session and every game," he said.
"So week by week, year by year, try to take the club as far as possible. I want to thank the players for all their work over the past 18 months. The supporters have been unbelievable since the start, they are now turning up in numbers and long may it continue.
"I am particularly proud to be able to continue serving as Manager of my hometown club. Scarborough Athletic has always held a special place in my heart, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help the club succeed and bring pride to the town.”
Scarborough have started 2023 with two successive defeats, which has seen them drop to sixth in the table. They host Blyth Spartans on Saturday, with Greening hoping to finally lead his side to the first win of the new year.
