Minehead boss quits (From This is The West Country)

Minehead boss quits

9:04am Thursday 3rd January 2008

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MINEHEAD player-manager Steve Perkins is to stand down after Saturday's match at home to Bridport.

The 29-year-old, in his third season as boss, said work and family commitments mean he is unable to dedicate as much time to the job as is required.

Perkins, who has a young family, started a new job as FA Skills coach for Somerset in the summer and has missed a number of Minehead games as a result.

Another factor in his decision was the damage done to their Irnham Road pitch by the European Tug of War Championships in September.

That event means they are unable to train on the pitch for the rest of the season and could not play a home match for three months.

He said: "My job and family have got to come first. My work with the FA means I can't give up as much time as I would like and I want to spend more time with my family.

"I have already missed games this season and I'm going to be away a lot more in February so I think it's the best for all parties.

"I made up my mind to stand down in September around the time of the Tug of War Championships.

"I was bitterly disappointed the town council decided to stage the event on our pitch.

"I took the job as Minehead manager because it would allow me to do more coaching with young players.

"But I've been able to do hardly any coaching because our pitch has been out of action and that is very frustrating."

Perkins said he is still keen to play when available and happy to assist his replacement with any coaching.

The former Watchet Town and Taunton Town Reserves player said he was delighted with the talented young squad he has assembled, even though good results have been difficult to come by.

The side finished bottom of the Toolstation League's Division One last season and are struggling again this term but Perkins believes the squad is in a healthy state.

He said: "I'm happy that the team is in a much healthier state than when I took over.

"The squad is packed with young talented players who will get better and better - I just hope they stay with the club.

"Even though results haven't gone our way, I've really enjoyed my time as manager and I think the new manager will be happy with the state of the squad."

Adrian Giblett, Minehead first team's chairman, said the committee are meeting on Monday to discuss the vacant position.

He also paid tribute to Perkins for his dedication to the job in difficult circumstances.

Giblett said: "The club would like to say a big thank-you to Steve for all he has done. He put in a tremendous amount of effort even if results have not reflected that.

"It is worth noting Steve has not received a penny as manager, not even for phone calls.

"He took on a very tough job when nobody else was willing to do so and been totally committed.

"He has put together a highly talented young group of players, even if the league table doesn't back that up."

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