Darren to leave football management – Lewes Community Football Club

Darren to leave football management


Men's football news

Earlier today the club accepted, with immense sadness, the resignation of First Team manager Darren Freeman.  

The gaffer has made the difficult decision that his increased work commitments outside Lewes FC no longer allow him to dedicate the amount of time he feels is necessary to being First Team Manager.  A long-time friend of Darren’s, Dirk Hebel, now co-owns a football agency based in Germany called SportsTotal. Darren has been working part-time for them for a few months and they have now offered him what he has described as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to take a full time role within the company, something that Darren told us he ‘couldn’t turn down’.

The club fully understands his position and of course wish him the very best in his expanding role. Darren will lead the team for the final time on Saturday, when we host Cray Wanderers at The Pan, kick off 3pm.

Ross Standen and Tony Coade will act as caretaker managers whilst the club decides on the next steps and we hope that as many fans as possible will make it to the game to show their support for the team, for Ross and Codge and also to say goodbye to Daz in the dug out.

Darren joined the Rooks just over 4 years ago and in 2018 led the men’s team to its first promotion in over a decade. Overall, Darren has won 90 games, drawn 54 and lost 68, scoring 365 goals and conceding 293.

We will pay tribute to Darren in Saturday’s programme but for now he wanted to share a brief message to the fans. “All good things come to an end and today that moment has come for me as my time at this fantastic football club has come to an end. I have always prided myself on giving everything 100% of my attention. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the miles you’ve driven, the trains you have ridden, games you’ve attended home and away and chants you’ve started. Your support has been amazing and something I will cherish and remember for ever. Unfortunately, my new role at SportsTotal simply does not allow me to give Lewes Football Club the attention it needs so it is with a heavy heart I have decided to step down as first team manager. I am not going to be a stranger at the football club and hope to see you all soon.

Chairman Stuart Fuller commented: “I’ve always enjoyed a close relationship with Darren and it was with genuine sadness that I accepted his decision, after many hours of discussing the future.  He’s leaving a football club in a much better place and he will be a very hard act to follow.  I am very thankful that Ross and Codge will step up for the foreseeable future, keeping the squad in safe hands.” The club will announce plans in due course on the vacant position as First Team manager.