France steps down at Cobras
11th January, 2016
Ryan France has stepped down as Clipstone's assistant manager with immediate effect due to family and work commitments.
Chairman Dave Paling said he was very sad to see Ryan leave and thanked him for everything he has done at the club in supporting manager Jas Colliver.
He went on to say that it was hard to put into words how good Ryan had been for the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division outfit and that everyone around the club from Jas to the supporters would like to extend their thanks for everything he had done.
France said: "It is with deepest sadness that I must call time on my role as assistant manager at Clipstone FC and within football in general with immediate effect. Saturday's game against Liversedge was to be my last game as assistant to my good pal Jas Colliver.
"This is in its entirety due to family and work commitments.
"I've worked with Jas for the past eighteen months and can certainly say it's been a pleasure. Jas is one of my best pals and has an enormous career in the game, I'm certain of that.
"I've met some great people during my time at Clipstone, on and off the field, who I'm proud to call my friends, none more than Dave Paling who I can only describe as a fantastic human being.
"I wish them all the success in the world. The lads there are a great bunch and, with a tad more belief in themselves, can certainly do something special.
"Jas will be well supported by his experienced players and Jason Truscott for the foreseeable future."
Paling added: "I would personally like to thank Ryan for his time at Clipstone FC. It is very sad to see him leave but family and work commitments must always take priority.
"During his time at Clipstone FC, we have enjoyed a great friendship and banter and I know he will miss the chairman's weekly essay emails.
"It's hard to put into words how good Ryan has been for Clipstone FC and I am sure everyone around the club from Jas to the supporters would like to extend their thanks for everything he has done and look forward to seeing him whenever he can make it.
"Thanks again Ryan."
Colliver also paid tribute to his ex-colleague, saying: "I'd like to place on record my huge thanks to Ryan for his support over the past eighteen months.
"I'm delighted to have been able to work with him so closely and I feel I have played my part in rekindling his love for football.
"There hasn't been a day gone by over these last eighteen months where we haven't discussed football and how we can develop as individuals and move our club forward.
"Ryan is a true professional and a real gentleman who has been able to pass his knowledge and experiences on to everyone that he has worked with. It has been a difficult decision for Ryan but one that had to be made.
"We have been in conversation regarding his position for a while, however, due to a promotion at work things have moved slightly quicker than we envisaged.
"I will continue to do all I can with the support of some experienced players until I find a replacement for Ryan.
"As far as I'm concerned it's business as usual and we will be focussing on an extremely tough month ahead with seven away games in a row which include Bridlington, Tadcaster, Barton, Brigg, Pickering, Retford and Staveley. Some might say he didn't want to clock up the miles!"
(Story Source: Clipstone)
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