EXITING HADLAND LOST HIS DRIVE AT BARWELL
DEPARTING boss Guy Hadland says Barwell had given him the chance to withdraw his resignation but insisted the time was right to go.
The former player, coach and assistant manager stepped down after three-and-a-half years in the Kirkby Road hotseat having staved off the threat of relegation from the Southern League Premier Division Central.
The Leicestershire village has been represented at Step 3 since 2011 with this season’s third-bottom finish as close as they have been to falling through the trap door and the departing gaffer believes the challenge will only become greater.
“The club wanted to talk about next season over the past six or seven weeks but I wanted to wait until we were safe,” said Hadland.
“Since resigning they have asked me whether I am sure and would I like to stay on but I have decided to step down.
“I have been at Barwell for nine years altogether. It is a small club at this level and it is an ever-challenging role, I think they might need a fresh pair of eyes because you are forever fighting. It can be a difficult gig at times.
“That is no criticism of the club or its people, it is not said in a negative way, the club has been nothing but supportive and I wish them all the very best, it is just one of those things with the size of Barwell and the level the club is at.”
Work commitments and starting this season with a barrage of away fixtures while a 3G pitch was installed also added to the mix.
“I questioned whether I was getting the same enjoyment from management as I did from coaching and the answer at this point was no, probably not,” added Hadland.
“I love my football, I love the buzz but I was not quite getting that any more.”