National Football Weekly

So, after 29 years in football management, 1,330 matches, and countless hours of recruitment calls, scouting missions and preparation, I’ve decided that now is the right time to step back from the game and announce my retirement. Football has given me so much — moments, friendships, challenges and memories that will stay with me for life. Football is, and always will be, in my DNA. I would like to thank the six clubs I’ve had the privilege to manage — Darwen, Padiham, Runcorn Linnets, Ashton Athletic, Northwich Victoria, and finallyRamsbottom United — for placing their trust in me to lead their football clubs. To each and every player I’ve worked with, thank you. The relationship between a player and a manager is a special one, and the dressing room is our place. I hope that over the past 29 years my team talks have helped you develop as players — and maybe made you smile along the way. To all the coaches who have put up with me over the years, I simply couldn’t have done this without you. However, the time feels right to shift priorities and spend more quality time with my family — especially my grandchildren, Freddie, William and Emmie. To the fans of every club I’ve managed — thank you most of all. Your relentless support, home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has never gone unnoticed. You are what makes a football club special, and I will always be grateful for the backing you’ve given me and every team I’ve led. To all the managers out there, I take my hat off to you. The job gets harder every year. I was once told: never get too high after a win and never too low after a defeat. That advice is so true — although much harder to follow after a defeat. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Ramsbottom United.  First and foremost, my thanks go to my management team — especially Rob. Your loyalty, support and tireless work over this past year have meant everything to me. Your sessions are second to none, and I have no doubt that you have a great future ahead of you as a manager. My thanks also go to Lewis Hindley, who is far more than just a goalkeeper coach, and to Tony Dunn, one of the best physios I’ve worked with. I’m hugely grateful for the backing of Phil Rose and Tony Cunningham, and for the ongoing support of the committee, including Harry, whose trust and belief were so important from day one. Phil brought me to the club with a three‑year plan — unfortunately, we didn’t quite see it through. Leading Ramsbottom United has been an honour. Special people really do achieve great things, and the commitment, honesty and togetherness shown every day created memories I will carry with me forever. It has been a genuine privilege to lead this group. I leave Ramsbottom United with nothing but fond memories and huge respect. I wish the club every success for the future — it’s a special place with real heart, and I’m proud to have been part of its journey. Finally, I want to thank my family — my children Louis,Zack and Olivia, and my wife Ali. Without your backing, love and support through both good times and bad, none of the last 29 years would have been possible. You are the people who pick me up on a Saturday night, and I love you all so much. Thank you all. — Steve Wilkes