Lock stands down after historic spell
Sam to take a step back from football management
Sam Lock has decided to step down from his role as Holyport manager - and football management in general - after guiding the club to its highest ever finish in league football.
Lock took on the Port managers' position in May 2021 and led the club to survival in his first season before gradually building and improving the quality of his squad to this season's play-off push in the Combined Counties Premier Division North.
Back in early December, the club were 14th in the table, but under Lock's guidance the club picked up an average of nearly two points a game to move up to fifth and take up their place in the play-offs.
Saturday's semi-final didn't go Holyport's way, with title-challengers Rayners Lane running out 4-0 winners, however, Lock couldn't have been prouder of his players and what they've achieved this season.
Lock isn't standing down to take up a new position or to move onto to another challenge in football, but to take a break from the game in general to spend more time with his family. Coach Matt Stannard will also step down.
Lock posted a statement on X this afternoon saying: “I have made the decision to step down as manager of Holyport Football Club. Not only this, but I have also further made the decision to step down from club management all together. This has not been an easy decision at all but one I feel is necessary at this moment of time in my life. I have a young family who I absolutely adore and wife who loves me unconditionally. They deserve all of me and that is what they are going to get.
“Holyport is a club that I hold very close to my heart. They were there for me when I needed them mist. They offered me an opportunity to get back into football the game I love more than anything in the world and for that I will forever be grateful.
“Thank you to all my players, management teams, directors, and fans, you gave me everything and more. I am so excited to keep in touch with you all and watch how your football careers develop.
“From staying up on the last day of the season, to FA Vase and FA Cup runs, to play-off semi-finalists, it has been a beautiful story. Thank you, Sam.”
Lock has managed 97 games for Holyport and will step down with immediate effect.
He has overseen many significant achievements as the club's manager, including the most points won in a season at step five, the highest league position ever achieved, the club's best ever FA Vase and FA Cup runs.
A statement from the club this afternoon read: “Sam took the manager's position in May 2021 and has led the club to highs we could only dream of, taking the club from the risk of relegation to the brink of promotion.
“Many historic moments have been created by the side, including the most points in a season at Step 5, highest league position, best FA Vase run, and our best FA Cup run.
“These are moments the club can always look back and cherish, with pride and gratitude to Sam’s dedication and leadership.
“Sam’s efforts in developing players and instilling in them the shared Holyport values and philosophy has rightly given the team and staff the platform to grow as footballers and men, and to push each other to new heights.
“The club are extremely grateful to Sam who has put in everything he has to push the club forward. Thanks of course also to the management team, backroom staff and Sam’s family who have supported him for the past few seasons.
“The club is hopeful the core team remain to continue the journey and welcomes applications for the role of First Team manager. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please email your CV’s to richardtyrell@googlemail.com