Leamington boss resigns after 16 years

Leamington fans at Edgar Street

Leamington manager Paul Holleran has resigned after 16 years in the role, citing a need for "fresh ideas and impetus within the dressing room".

While Holleran also mentioned health issues and a need to look after himself, he leaves the Warwickshire side rock bottom of National League North - seven points behind Hereford in 23rd.

Despite the poor position, the club's chair said the 55-year-old leaves a "lasting legacy that is unlikely to be matched".

First taking charge in November 2009, overseeing a 2-2 draw at Cambridge City in the Southern League Premier Division, the highly-regarded manager has managed 789 games.

After tendering his resignation on New Year's Eve, Holleran, a former Birmingham City scholar, said: "I have been on a wonderful journey with the football club and want to thank everyone for their fantastic support throughout my sixteen years. 

"I just feel the time is right for someone else to take over the reins and provide fresh ideas and impetus within the dressing room.  Allied to this I have a number of health appointments in the coming month and my focus in the short term has to be on looking after myself."

As a player, he featured for Alvechurch and Solihull Borough before two knee operations forced early retirement and a move into coaching.

Before joining Leamington, he was instrumental in setting up reserve and youth teams at Solihull before his first managerial role at Kings Norton Town where he guided them to runners-up spot in the Midland Alliance and a cup win.

He then had spells with Solihull, Halesowen Town and Rushall Olympic.

Brakes chairman Jim Scott said: "We always knew this day would come and there are insufficient words to express our thanks for the fantastic contribution Paul has made to the club.

"He may have had the title ‘first team manager’ but for all the volunteers, fans and those who interacted with him within the club, his efforts went way beyond his job title and he has left a lasting legacy that is unlikely to be matched.

"Following our discussions post his resignation, Paul has agreed in a number of weeks time to discuss options with the Board of Directors on a possible further role within the club."

With the new year at Your Co-op Community Stadium starting with the hunt for a new boss, current first team coach Chris Knott will take interim charge of the team away at Chorley on Saturday.

Among the well-wishes in reaction to the news, former Hereford keeper Paul White posted on X: "The word Legend is so fitting! All the best with everything coming up @Hollers07 top top football bloke & gaffer! 👌"