BAR AXE WON’T TAR MY LEGACY!
ADAM STEVENS admits he was hurt to be told in the bar that his Coalville Town reign had come to an end – but he won’t let it overshadow the good times he had at his hometown club.
Stevens will go down in folklore at the Southern Premier Central Ravens having been a central figure in some of their finest moments as a player and a manager.
While they currently sit mid-table, Stevens’ side beat Step 2 Boston United and Bath City to reach the last 16 of the Isuzu FA Trophy where they have been drawn against Bishop’s Stortford.
And the former Grantham Town boss felt the news the club had decided to make a change after last week’s defeat to Leiston could have been delivered differently.
“The key thing for me was it being done in those circumstances – which disappoints you, really, because of the relationship that I’ve had, the success we’ve had,” Stevens told The NLP. “Even this season we’re through to the last 16 of the FA Trophy. We won at Bath City, we beat Boston, we had another good FA Cup run.
Relationship
“Pretty much, I walked up to the bar and it was that. There were people in there so, in my eyes, it should have been over a drink, especially given the relationship we’ve had. My missus and daughter were there too. That’s the bit that hurt me.
“We’ve had such a changeover of players – we’ve had injuries, suspensions, my goalie got sent off the other week and we had an outfield player in goal. It’s been one of those seasons, which happens. You’ve got no divine right.
“But I wish the club all the best. One thing it won’t do is take away from my achievements there. It’s not about backbiting or being bitter. What’s done is done. I am not going to hold onto the previous things, it’s about moving forward now.”
In two spells in the dugout, he took the Leicestershire outfit to the FA Vase final in 2011 – the same season they won the Midland Alliance title – as well as three play-off finishes in the successive completed seasons.
Last year, they missed out on the title to Tamworth on goal difference in a campaign where they beat Notts County to reach the FA Cup first round proper and played League One Charlton Athletic.
Overwhelmed
This week Stevens has had time to reflect on the highs after wife Kelly compiled a video of Coalville’s best moments under Stevens and he’s posted a heartfelt farewell message on his X/twitter account.
“Last year was difficult – three goals in the title race and we probably should have won it in the end but we didn’t,” Stevens said. “We’ve gone toe-to-toe in a title race, we’ve always been in that mix and, even this season, with the group and players coming back from injury I believe we could have pushed for the play-offs.
“I take pride in it. I still live in Coalville. I fully respect the club and I’ve got to move on and look after myself and my family.”
Stevens, who teaches sport sessions in a primary school, will take the time to refresh but is keen to get back in the dug-out.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by other managers, chairmen, fans from all over the country have sent message,” he said.
“It’s been a brilliant pick-me up. It’s half term in a couple of weeks so I am going to recharge my batteries.
“It’s waiting for the right opportunity which ticks my boxes. I feel like I’ve earned the right to push myself a little bit. I know what I can do.
“But, whatever it is, it’s got to be right for me, right for my family and it fit in. We’ll see what the future brings.”