on lyne 21-05-10
Every week manager Andy Lyne will write a set of notes exclusively for the website with latest goings on at The Polythene UK Stadium.
I just wanted to use this opportunity to thank all everyone connected with Witney United for their backing and support over the last three seasons and of course the older ones amongst you from the two times before!!
Last season proved a very stressful one for me both physically and mentally and were it not for the players sticking together and the supporters keeping behind the team, I’m sure we would have fallen away. As it is I think 6th place was creditable, not good enough for a club like Witney, but ok. The fact that we finished the season so strongly when many clubs had thrown in the towel, tells you everything about the spirit that exists within the club
Its been a very hard decision for me to reach because as anyone who knows me will vouch for, I love the club and all the people around it. You don’t spend ten years at a club over three periods and not have an affinity with it.
The easiest thing for me to have done would have been to stay but in truth the thought of having to rebuild a side yet again within the budget restraints, which in fairness all clubs are facing, just wasn’t within me.
I have never, ever, given less than 100% for Witney down the years, as people who have seen my often ridiculous goal celebrations and berating of players will testify.
I could not just go through the motions, it’s not me. My drive, energy and enthusiasm are my strong points and without them you are cheating yourself and everyone else.
The basis of a very good squad is still at the club and there are some really terrific youngsters that the club must nurture. It just needs a young manager with bags of vigour and no cynicism to kick things on.
I’m sure that some people will ask so why are you going to Didcot? -well the truth is quite simply that I love the game of football and I want to stay involved in management. My work commitments make running a senior football club very difficult and only other managers will know how much of your “day time” football can take up. Didcot have given me the opportunity to work at a higher level once again without the pressure of being totally in charge.
I thank Howard, Mell, Teggy and all my players for their loyalty to me and the club, especially last season. There are too many people behind the scenes to thank personally but all the Bircher’s, Reidy, MrT, Gary, Rich, Terry, Shaun, Dave and of course Steve, all deserve a special mention
So I thank you sincerely for your friendship and support one and all and hope to be able return to Witney one day in an off field role.
