Sweetman to step down from managerial role
After seven years and 336 games in charge of Holyport FC, Derek
Sweetman has decided to step down from first team managerial duties and accept the role as ambassador for the club.
Sweetman first joined Holyport in 2010 and spent 191 games in charge before leaving in 2014. He then re-joined in 2018 to aid the development of a new young squad.
His first match back in the dugout was a memorable cup win over higher division Flackwell Heath in the Hellenic Supplementary Cup with Matt Rolfe alongside him in the dugout.
A statement from the club read: “Derek was always a calming influence inside the dressing room, which was echoed by the players on the field. His experience was there for all to see as the side handled themselves on the pitch the way he managed them.
“The club is delighted that Derek has accepted the role as Ambassador for the club.
“This will mean he can enjoy the games from the stands with less stress and also get out on the golf course as and when he would like.
“The whole club is very appreciative of everything that Derek has done and how he has gone about his business within the club.
“He has always been a credit to himself and Holyport FC.
“Thank you for all of your endeavours and tireless efforts over the 7 years with the club and for keeping us at Step 5 this season.”
Arguably Sweetman's biggest challenge - and
greatest achievement - in his two spells as manager came this season when Port were promoted to step 5 after two campaigns shortened and curtailed by the pandemic.
Over the course of the campaign he helped rebuild the club in order to compete in the division, achieving survival on goal difference from bottom club CB Hounslow United on the final day of the campaign.
Port had won just one of their opening 15 league matches and were marooned at the bottom of the table in the early weeks of November, but somehow he and Sam Lock built a side capable of grinding out results and they managed to stay up by the skin of their teeth.
It now remains to be seen whether Lock will step up into Sweetman's shoes and take on the manager's role.