Jaded Ian Dunn admits that he has no regrets over his decision to resign as player/manager of Pinchbeck United.
Six years after taking on the Knights job for a second time, Dunn informed chairman Gary Coomes of his intention to leave the UCL Premier Division club last Tuesday night.
The former Spalding United and Holbeach United striker walks away as Pinchbeck’s most successful manager of all-time, having taken them from the lower reaches of the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division to a record high of fourth in the UCL Premier Division in 2019 – winning the UCL Division One title in dominant fashion along the way.
But last season, which was curtailed prematurely due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, was a struggle for Dunn and his side.
They would almost certainly have been relegated if the season had been completed and the ex-Boston Town chief hinted that he would perhaps have resigned but for the enforced break.
A return to pre-season training ahead of the proposed September restart failed to lift Dunn’s mood and he admits that the time is right for him to take a break from football and enjoy time with his wife Chloe and young sons Rupert and Ralph.
“Last season was exhausting,” admitted the former Knights chief. “I felt the break, albeit for a global pandemic, was good timing for me and the club as
I could get a break and the club would almost certainly have been relegated.
“I went away and really enjoyed my family time. If I’m honest, I didn’t really miss football at all.
“When the time came for pre-season, I felt refreshed – but some of the things I was dealing with just brought back my negative feelings from before the break.
“Credit to the club, Gary (Coomes) has done incredibly well to get a better budget together for this season. It’s no secret that we had a much-reduced one last season.
“But, even with a bit more to play with, it was very hard to get players to commit. I found myself chasing players and an assistant manager but getting nowhere really – and I was becoming a different person at home, which isn’t fair on anyone.
“I was very lucky to have Allan Ross as assistant manager for most of my time at Pinchbeck, but I felt a little alone after he left. Not being able to replace him long-term was a big thing for me and that is also a factor in my decision.
“I just wasn’t enjoying it and I’ve found dealing with the modern footballer very difficult, so I decided the best thing to do was walk away. The club isn’t in a bad position, which is key, as I never wanted to leave them in a mess.
“With Gary there and Alfie Tate also involved, I’m sure they’ll get things sorted and move forward. I wish Pinchbeck nothing but the best, hopefully we’ve both been good for each other over the years.”
Dunn looks back on winning the UCL Division One title as the stand-out moment of his reign at the club. They took step six by storm, romping to the crown by a massive 11 points – winning 27 of their 38 games and losing just twice as they embarked on a 36-game unbeaten run.
A fourth place finish in the UCL’s top flight followed, but the former player/boss admits that last season – just one win in 27 league games – was the lowest ebb.
He added: “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to replicate that UCL Division One season in my career. We had an amazing dressing room packed full of committed players with a never-say-die attitude, who should take all the credit.
“Last season was the opposite really and it was the first time we really struggled during my time at the club. Like I said, I often felt very alone and grumpy. I could easily have quit at any point, but the club has been good to me and I didn’t want to leave as soon as the going got tough.
“Overall, taking the club from the PDFL to the UCL was always our dream at Pinchbeck and I’m really proud that I leave them there. My biggest regret is not being able to win a game in the FA Cup or FA Vase, it just wouldn’t happen for us!
“My only wish for the club now, and I can say this now I’ve left, is that the parish council work with them and allow them to redevelop Knight Street.
It could be a great community hub for the people of Pinchbeck and would help the club grow.
“I have no regrets and leave with my head held high, wishing Gary and everyone at the club nothing but the best.
“I certainly don’t think I’m done with management, but I’ll be taking an indefinite break now until I feel I can 100 per cent commit to the demands of the job again.”
The Knights, who lost their latest pre-season friendly 1-0 at higher-graded Wisbech Town on Saturday, are currently under the caretaker charge of Alfie Tate. They next face Spalding United at the Sir Halley on Friday (6.30pm).
Chairman Coomes is currently searching for a new boss, but paid tribute to Dunn’s time as boss.
He added: “The club would like to put on record its gratitude for Ian’s efforts over his long tenure with the club.
“Together we made memories that many village clubs can only dream about and for those memories we will always be grateful.
“On a personal note, Dunny has – and always will be – welcome at our club and I am saddened the journey has come to a conclusion.”
