The
club accepted his resignation and then placed on record its thanks for his
commitment in the role in what have been difficult circumstances, particularly
with the number of player changes over the summer.
The
highlight of his tenure was retaining the Suffolk Premier Cup in May this year.
The
club have moved quickly to announce Boardley’s replacement with Ian Cornforth
stepping up from reserve team manager.
Cornforth
has worked with the first team squad on a regular basis during Boardley’s
managerial reign. We wish Ian every success in his new role.
Boardley
told the club`s website: “It is with great sadness and regret that I have
decided to leave my position as manager as Leiston Football Club. I informed
the chairman Andy Crisp of my decision following the club’s defeat to Ware in
the FA Cup last weekend but was asked to reconsider and give my decision some
further thought whilst continuing to manage the team through this difficult
period. I agreed to remain in charge for a short period whist the club
considered their options further and put plans in place but confirmed my
decision would not change.
“Firstly,
I would like to thank Andy Crisp, Peter Mayhew and the Financial Board members
for giving me the opportunity and honour to manage this great club. Secondly,
the fans, who in the main, have been fantastic and stuck by the team and have
understood the rebuilding process that needed to take place. Please get behind
Ian now and understand that rebuilding takes time and will be a difficult and
testing process. Lastly, I’d like to place on record my thanks to staff and
players I have worked with, all of whom have been fantastic.
“Football
has consumed me these last twelve months and has been particularly difficult
since I lost David Head, my assistant back in May. Recruitment during the
summer did not bare the fruits we had hoped for, and ultimately the club have
suffered from only retaining two of the starting eleven that won last season’s
Suffolk Premier Cup final - a feat that I am extremely proud of.
“I
am not ‘jumping ship’ but instead stepping aside for the good of the club as I
feel that a change is right for the club and may create a spark that could turn
around current fortunes.
“For
me, I am looking forward to my wife and children having their husband/dad back.”
New
manager Ian Cornforth said: “I have accepted the vacant position after a long
conversation with the chairman.
“I
would like to say on record that it is with sadness that Stuart has made the
decision to stand down from his role at the club. I know first-hand how much
hard work Stuart has done behind the scenes which most people don’t see. Stuart
is a Leiston man and a true gentlemen, and I feel privileged to have worked
alongside him and to have learned so much from him.’
“I
am very honoured to have been offered this unbelievable opportunity at such a
great club. Everybody at the club (supporters, players and officials)
understand that we are in a period of transition, but this does not mean that
we will allow our standards to drop. We are building the club through our youth
system and this is something I am currently and will continue to oversee with
great enthusiasm.’
“Whilst
we are in a difficult position, I relish the challenge ahead which starts this
evening at home to Biggleswade Town.
“All
I ask from everyone is that we get behind the team and continue to support them
like you always do and I promise we will give you the supporters back 100% back
in return in training and matches”. |