Outgoing Holbeach United player/boss has admitted that he made his decision to step down from the role with a very heavy heart.
Roberts left his position with the Tigers after Saturday’s 2-2 ChromaSport UCL Premier Division draw with Harborough Town at Carter’s Park, citing increased work commitments that saw him miss two games last week.
Having joined Holbeach as number two to Darren Jarvis 18 months ago, he took over as sole boss when Jarvis was sacked in December last year.
Tigers chairman Dave Dougill told The Voice on Saturday that he didn’t sack the departing supremo and wanted him to carry on, but Roberts has revealed that he needs to take a break from football and intends to think more about himself and his personal life from now on.
He leaves Holbeach fourth in the table and in the quarter-finals of both the KO Cup and Lincs Senior Trophy, having led them to fourth last time around.
In his final interview as boss, he thanked his players and the club, but admitted that he’d become too involved in the role for his own good.
Roberts said: “It’s a decision I’ve made with a massively heavy heart. It’s killed me this week, not being involved in the FA Vase and Huntingdon games – then not finishing on a positive note.
“It’s just something that has had to happen for me personally. For the first time in a long time, I’m being selfish and looking after myself.
“With work and other bits and pieces, I’ve just got to walk away now. My personal circumstances have changed and I think I need a little bit of a break from football now, before I consider what I’m going to do in the future.
“I’ve enjoyed my 18 months here, the lads have been superb and the club itself is a lovely little family club.
“Whatever happens, the new management team will come in to a fantastic football club that has a fantastic changing room full of very talented footballers.
“I leave the club in fifth position and in two cup quarter finals, so there’s a lot for the lads still to play for. Nothing changes for them.
“I feel my time with Holbeach has been a good learning curve and I’m pleased to have had the chance to manage at such a good club, which backs you all the way.
“Obviously last year we led the lads to their highest league finish since John Chand won the league, got to the cup final, had a great FA Cup run and some excitement in the Vase.
“There have been loads of highs in the 18 months here.
“I’ve not really thought about my next move in football. I got to the point where I was going home from work, training and games – and still thinking about just football.
“I probably got myself too involved and wasn’t spending enough time doing things away from football.
“On a Sunday I’d be looking at players and who I could bring in, but I should have been relaxing. But that’s who I am – I’m passionate, I’m a winner and – again – I leave it behind with a heavy heart.”
Roberts’ number two Martyn Cundy is the favourite to step into the Holbeach hot-seat, but it remains to be seen if he’s interested in the role.
We’ll have the thoughts on chairman Dave Dougill online early next week.
