Manager Paul Smith has an important message, ahead of Saturday’s game against Leiston (3:00 KO)…
“Tomorrow will sadly see me manage my last game for the club.
Increased business commitments mean I can no longer commit the time that a job and club of this size needs or deserves.
The chairman, my staff and players have known for a while that I’ve been struggling with time, and they have been brilliant. But, with them working so hard, it’s not fair on them that I’m unable to commit the same time and energy to the cause.
Everyone that knows me well knows that I take my football very seriously, and I’ve always put in full time hours. But, without now being able to do that, I don’t feel I can fulfil my role to the best of my ability.
Although the season hasn’t started as well as we would have liked, I’ve still loved every minute of working for the club again and, with this group of players, I’ll miss it greatly.
I sat down with the chairman in the week to tell him; he has identified three candidates to take over. With me taking my final game tomorrow, this gives him time to meet the three of them.
The chairman, aided brilliantly by Richard Boorn, is starting to rebuild something here and I’m excited to watch it slowly grow again. It will take time, but I know they will get there.Â
I offer a huge thank you to the players, my staff, the board, the chairman and the fans for all the support I’ve received since coming back in – it’s been greatly appreciated.
It’s a long trip to Leiston tomorrow for us; the boys trained well on Thursday and they are looking forward to it.
On the player front, Harry Crook is still suspended and Ash Carter is doubtful with a knee injury. Reece King returns after suspension, whilst Jack Newall is back in the fold after his return from Burton.
A huge game for lots of reasons, and we are all going to do everything we can to get a much needed positive result.”
