Holbeach United chairman Dave Dougill has confirmed that he’d like Martyn Cundy as the club’s next manager after Tom Roberts’ departure on Saturday.
Number two Cundy, a former Holbeach player and manager of Moulton Harrox, is Dougill’s number one choice for the job as he seeks continuity ahead of the busy festive period.
The Tigers chairman also revealed that he was “as happy as he could be” with the performance of outgoing boss Roberts and admitted that he understood his decision to walk away because of increased work commitments.
Dougill also emphasised that Roberts wasn’t sacked or asked to leave his role, but did admit that recent results haven’t been as good as he would expect and that recent player criticism in the press was something he “didn’t like”.
Cundy and Dougill held talks about what happens next on Saturday – and it is hoped he’ll agree to take over the Holbeach hotseat.
There’s also a strong possibility that club legend Dean Elston could take up a role within the first team management, although that is likely to be limited to midweek games only.
“As I understand, since Tom (Roberts) has learned to drive the company he works for have given him more to do,” said Dougill. “As he sees it, he has got to work more and be on call – he was unavailable for the Long Eaton and Huntingdon games due to work – for example.
“As for any other reasons that may have been mentioned, we’re not sacking him and I’ve been as happy with him as a manager as probably a chairman can be. Yes, we would have liked better results – but once the game starts, that’s down to the players.
“I would say, I’ve not liked seeing the criticism of some players in the paper – I strongly believe that should be kept in-house. It doesn’t improve relationships with the players, but that’s just my opinion.
“As far as I’m concerned, Tom has left purely for family and work reasons. He’s a young guy and his family and job come first, I understand that.
“I’ve now got to find out if Martyn (Cundy) feels that he’s got the time to take on the job as he’s got a young family.
“He seems keen, but it’s not as straightforward as that. I would like Martyn to take the job on, as then you’ve got continuity.
“He is an ex-player of the club, has been a manager before and knows the players. I think that, at this time of the season, it’s important we have continuity.
“Hopefully Dean Elston will also be able to help out, but mainly in midweek as he wants to carry on playing.
“We’ve not advertised the job, but if Martyn’s not happy or doesn’t feel he has the time to take it on, then possibly we’ll advertise it.”
Holbeach host table-toppers Peterborough Sports tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm) and then visit Northampton Sileby Rangers on Saturday (3pm).
