Paul Holleran to remain as Leamington boss for the 2016/17 season - The Leamington Observer

Paul Holleran to remain as Leamington boss for the 2016/17 season

Leamington Editorial 19th May, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

PAUL Holleran will continue his role as manager of Leamington for the 2016/17 season after getting a vote of confidence by the club’s board despite missing out on promotion last season.

The Brakes narrowly missed out on an immediate bounce back to the Conference North after losing 2-1 to Hungerford in the Southern League Premier Division play-off final at the beginning of May.

Holleran’s side were 26 minutes away from going up after Courtney Baker-Richardson had given them the lead at War Memorial Ground, but two late goals by Stefan Brown and Mike Jones broke Leamington hearts.

Another season in the Southern League Premier Division looms for Leamington and the club’s board have decided once again that the experienced Holleran, who led the club to the Southern Premier title three years ago, is the right manager to guide them back at the second time of asking.




A club statement confirmed: “Following Boardroom discussions and a weekend meeting with Manager Paul Holleran we are delighted to announce that he will continue in the hot seat for Season 2016-17.

“Season 2015-16 was always going to be a difficult one following the deflation of our relegation from the Conference North.  Historically clubs often struggle following a relegation as evidenced by Hyde United and Colwyn Bay who both having been relegated alongside us in 2014-15 have been relegated again this past season.


“Whilst there have been disappointments this past campaign, it is testimony to the team  management skills and spirit within the dressing room that we came so close to bouncing back at the first time of trying.

“That togetherness was shown when all players and management returned to the clubhouse post Hungerford and remained in each other’s company for a couple of hours despite the deeply disappointing result.

“As ever Paul Holleran and his management team will re-assess the playing staff acknowledging there is a need to re-energise the squad but also comfortable in the knowledge that a strong back-bone of experienced players are in place and up for the challenge of trying to secure promotion next season.

Off the field Leamington are continuing to adress the current financial position of the club and talks are also on-going with Warwick District Council over plans to relocate the stadium back to within the heart of the community,

“Behind the scenes we as directors recognise that we too need to re-focus and re-energise our efforts for the club,” the statement continued.

“The loss of car parking revenue allied to limited non-match day revenue is a challenge to be faced this season and one we are determined to overcome.

“The long term discussions with Warwick District Council re the potential relocation of the club nearer to the heart of the community continue in a positive fashion and we are hopeful that we will be able to place a viable proposal before shareholders for a decision in the next two to three months.

“There is much to be proud of at the club and the tremendous support from fans in the closing games of the season both in terms of numbers and passion reflects that. We look forward to a positive close season working to lay the foundations for a successful 2016-17 campaign.”

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