Loyal Martyn Cundy has offered to stay on and help out whoever takes on the role of Holbeach United manager after turning down the job following a stint as caretaker boss.
Cundy, who was chairman Dave Dougill’s number one choice for the role and is popular with the club’s players, admits that it’d be “selfish” of him to take the job full time.
The former Moulton Harrox supremo has twin daughters and doesn’t feel he can commit to what he calls a “demanding job” that would require his “full attention”.
But, as somebody with the Tigers at heart, he has offered to stay on at Carter’s Park for however long the club’s next manager wanted – be it until the end of the season or immediately after Saturday’s home clash with Rothwell Corinthians (3pm).
Cundy, who has seen his side lose 4-1 against runaway leaders Peterborough Sports and then bravely go down 3-2 at Northampton Sileby Rangers (see page 44) since the resignation of former boss Tom Roberts, does admit that he’s been touched by the support from everyone at Holbeach.
“It really is great to know that I had the support of the chairman and the players,” said Cundy, who was number two before Roberts quit. “That alone made me think long and hard about the job.
“But the decision I have made is based purely on the commitment I can offer. My brother (Darren Cundy) and Dean Elston can’t commit either, which was also key.
“I’ve twin daughters who are eight and still want me around. They always ask me why I’m off to football, so if I had taken the job it would have been a selfish decision.
“In my opinion, managers really have to immerse themselves into the job at UCL level and give it their full attention. You have to eat, sleep and breath it – and I just can’t offer that.
“I’ve not quite got the contacts at UCL level right now either, so the job would have been a very demanding one. But I’ve got the club at heart, I love Holbeach United. When they get a new manager in place, I’m more than happy to stay on and help for as long as they need me to.
“Obviously, he (the next manager) might want to bring his own people with him and not want me, that’s fine. But if I’m needed until the end of the season, that’s no problem too.
“I’d imagine that it would make sense for me to stay for a few weeks longer, but it’s not my call. I’m in charge on Saturday and that’s as far into the future as I’m looking.”
The Spalding and South Holland Voice understands that Holbeach are speaking to former Huntingdon Town and Peterborough Northern Star boss Seb Hayes about replacing Roberts.
He was expected to have an interview with the club yesterday (Wednesday).
Whatever the outcome of that discussion, Cundy remains highly likely to be in the dugout for Saturday’s ChromaSport UCL Premier Division date with Rothwell.
The Tigers – who were heavily depleted at Sileby last weekend – should be able to welcome back Josh Ford and Ollie Pinner, but will be without Nick Jackson and Matt Warfield.
Also unavailable is left back Adam Jackson, who has returned to former club Spalding United.
Holbeach (fifth) go into that game without a win in three games, while Rothwell (tenth) have lost their last two.
The Tigers won the reverse fixture 2-1 back on October 29, with the goals coming from Jack Smith and Jordan Thomas.
