Why I called time on Hollinwood — Howard

BATTLE FOR THE BALL: Hollinwood’s Charlie McGrath (left) tries to dispossess Tony Cutler, of Prestwich Heys. Local amateur football by JOHN GILDER

MARK HOWARD has explained his reason for resigning as manager of Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League outfit Hollinwood after five-and-a-half seasons at the helm.

His assistant during that period, Paul Bennett, has taken charge until the end of the season.

Howard guided Hollinwood to the league’s top flight early on in his reign and last season steered them to their highest position in 68 years, a highly creditable fifth.

He now plans to take a break from football before considering his options in the amateur game.

Howard said: “This has been on the cards for some time and I was going to leave three months ago.

“I haven’t got a problem with 85-per-cent of the players, but the other 15-per-cent are not as committed to the cause as I would like them to be.

“I wanted to win things and I feel that I was committed, having not missed a match or a training session.

“The way I feel means that I can’t give it all I’ve got.

“I’m very proud of my achievements at Hollinwood and I can reflect on some very good times, but I need a new challenge.”

There may be one or two offers landing on Howard’s table because his track record as Hollinwood manager has certainly been impressive.

The club were third from bottom of division one when Howard took over and, as well as the elevation to the top flight, he took them to Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy success a couple of seasons ago.

Howard was also a key figure in the club’s ultimately unsuccessful bid to join the North-West Counties League, a move which displayed his and the club’s ambition to move forward.

Ken Evans, the Hollinwood secretary, said: “I am sad Mark has stepped down because he has brought a lot to the club.

“He has tried hard to move the club forward, which he has done in his time here.

“Mark gave notice at the last committee meeting that he would be stepping down at the end of the season, but obviously his resignation as manager has come a lot sooner.”