Sunday, October 19, 2008 21:38
A Message from Jimmy
After twenty years of football, I have decided to announce my retirement from the game and will also be leaving the Club.
This has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make and I promise you that this has not been easy. Over the past six months, I have found it hard to juggle Family, Work and Football. I have also had Pneumonia, which took me a long time to recover from.
I have been away from my family for long
periods, and on my return I have found it hard to give 110% commitment
to the Club, which is what it deserves.
I have been fortunate to have a great career in football, both playing and coaching, and when Justin and I were appointed last November I embarked on yet another different challenge in football. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Faversham Town and working with Justin and the players.
I would like to think we have moved the club forward in many respects and hope now that Justin can continue the hard work that we have done together and bring the club to the level it should be at.
This is a massive Non-League club and we were delighted when we were appointed. To that end, as a Manager you need to be putting in 110% all the time and at the moment that is something I am not able to do. My family has to come first and that is the reason I reluctantly have made this decision.
I have learnt so much in football over the years and I hope I have managed to pass some of those experiences onto the players here. The club is fantastic, the way in which it is run is a credit to the Committee from the Chairman down.
So now for my thank you's. Justin and I have already spoken, and he is
fully aware of what our Management relationship has meant to me. We are
good friends and that will never change. We have worked hard together
and I have enjoyed every minute of working with him.
We are both very
similar, both winners and both very professional. We always wanted the
same thing and that was for the Club to succeed. I would like to thank
the Committee, for giving Justin and I the chance to be part of this
special family football club. I appreciate the support you have given
through all the different highs and lows we have had over the last year.
John Goodwin, Julian Beal for running the Reserve Team and Ray Turner for the fantastic job he has done and the support he has given us both.
I would also like to Thank, You the Fans. Rain or Shine, win or lose you come and support us and the Team, and not just the First Team but the Reserves and 18's as well. Your support is much needed at the club and I hope you continue to give Justin the support he needs going forward. I have no doubt that the Club will be a success.
Justin and I have brought a few new ideas to the club over the past year and if he continues in the same vein, then I am sure the Club will reap the rewards.
I hope to be in the stands today, depending on work, and instead of boring the players about my past and how good I was (including four goals I got for Dover in one game in the Conference !!!), I can now relay those stories to you, by becoming a fan.
Justin and I will continue to speak and he will update me on the goings on no doubt. I know he has someone coming in alongside him, who I truly respect and can only be a great addition for the club. The club is in good hands, and who knows, maybe one day I may return.
But for now I say farewell and thank each and every one of you for the support you have showed me.
Up the Town !
Jimmy Strouts