Hempnall FC

I'm sorry to announce that Paul Drake, our first team manager has decided to leave the Club with immediate effect.

We talked openly and honestly about his feelings and I was struck, (as I had been at my first meeting with him, at the time of his appointment) by his passion for the game itself and the way clubs should be structured, so as to ensure things are done and the game is played, in a right and proper way.

I have built a great respect for Paul, I know others in the Club feel the same. We both count him as a friend and we are genuinely sorry to see him leave us.

I'm not sure Paul knew the depth of the challenge that faced him here, after the Tim Clarke era, perhaps that should have made that more clear to him. He would have accepted the challenge though of that I am sure.

I'm sure it won't be too long before his figure will be seen stalking the touch lines of Clubs around the County.

Football is and always has been, full of characters.

Paul can certainly be counted as one of those. I'm really pleased to have had this opportunity to meet and get to know him.

I wish him every success in the future.

The Club is advertising for a new Manager, and in the meantime, our General Manager, Mark Ashford, and Club Coach, Ryan Haynes, are taking the reins.

David Pointer

Chairman