The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Seb Hayes has resigned as the manager of Holbeach United.
It’s been a miserable Christmas for the Tigers who failed to score and only picked up one point from their three Future Lions United Counties League Premier Division games.
Holbeach lost 1-0 to a 94th minute goal from Deeping Rangers on Saturday which followed a 0-0 draw with Pinchbeck United on Boxing Day and a 2-0 defeat to Eynesbury Rovers.
But despite slipping from third in the league, they remain in a very healthy sixth position in the league with both League and Cup semi-finals to look forward to.
Holbeach United chairman David Dougill confirmed that Hayes had emailed his resignation on Sunday night (December 30) but would only comment to say there had been no falling out between the manager and the club.
The club put out a statement later on New Year’s Day which read: “The club received Seb Hayes’s resignation letter yesterday and after phone calls between both parties we had to reluctantly accept Seb’s resignation due to off the field personal reasons.
“We wish Seb all the best for the future and hope to see him back very soon.”
“During his two years with the club we have felt he has helped in bridging the gap between first team and reserves while also including some of the club under 18s.
“He was also instrumental in guiding us to a brilliant league position last season and also to bring home the Lincs County Cup.
“Saturday’s game (which is away at Harborough Town) will be managed by Tim Cole and Adam Jackson, but the club will be looking for a replacement manager over the next couple of weeks.
“Anybody wishing to apply for the position needs to contact the club directly or via Twitter.
“Come on you Tigers.”
Last month Hayes celebrated two years in charge, a period in which Holbeach lifted the Lincs Senior Cup.
Marking that anniversary just three weeks ago he told The Voice’s Andrew Clucas that he didn’t see himself “leaving any time soon” and was targeting a top four finish for the second year in a row.
“I’m very happy with my first two years here,” enthused Hayes. “I said I’d bring a trophy here inside three years, but we managed that a year early.
“I’d say that 63 wins from 100 games stacks up against any recent manager here and I’m very proud of that record.
“Enjoyment-wise, being the manager of Holbeach has been the highlight of my managerial career.
“I’ve had no job in football longer than this one – which is something I needed – and I don’t see myself leaving any time soon.
“I think it’s fair to say that, after inheriting a bit of a mess, I’ve helped deliver success here.”
