Matt Henman explains why he will step down as Dereham Town boss at the end of the season
Matt Henman has stepped down as Dereham Town boss. Picture: Archant - Credit: SIMON FINLAY
Matt Henman insist he 'won't jump into anything else' after calling time on his nine-year spell as manager at Dereham Town.
Matt Henman insist he 'won't jump into anything else' after calling time on his nine-year spell as manager at Dereham Town.
The Magpies released a statement on social media yesterday revealing Henman will step down as first team boss at Aldiss Park at the end of the season.
Henman admitted the decision had been made with a heavy heart but is looking forward to a break from the grind of non league football
'I've got no special plans football-wise at all – I'm not going to jump into something else,' said Henman, who will continue in his role as an academy coaching tutor at the Dereham Education and Soccer Academy, which is a partnership between Dereham Sixth Form College and Dereham Town FC.
'I want to be able to spend more time with my family and it's the right time to allow myself to do that.
'As a manager at this level you never get a break. Even in the summer you're sorting out your squad for next season, negotiating player contracts, pre-season friendlies, travel for next season etc.
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'You have always got to be sure you go into each season with the same energy and motivation. I just think after nine years, 12 if you include my time at King's Lynn, that it's time for a break.'
Dereham are expected to announce Henman's successor 'in the next few days' and the new incumbent will have some big shoes to fill.
In his nine years at Aldiss Park, Henman led Dereham to promotion from the Eastern Counties Premier Division in 2013 and stabilised the club in the Ryman League Division One North.
However, Henman believes there is still potential for the club to go higher up the non league pyramid.
'I think there's still potential there to kick on – it takes a lot of effort and energy and I think that continuity is key,' added Henman, who also led the Magpies to two Norfolk Senior Cup successes in 2011 and 2016.
'I hope that carries on. We've always put our faith in young players and you have to be patient with them but when it does come good the rewards are so much better. There's potential but it's going to take some reorganisation off the pitch to do that.'
