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Hadleigh United boss Steve Holder announces departure from Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division outfit




Hadleigh United first-team boss Steve Holder has announced he will leave at the end of the season after more than four years at the club.

After his departure from Ely City in January 2020, Holder was appointed as player-assistant to manager Christian Appleford at Hadleigh, before taking the reins of the first team after Appleford’s exit in June 2021.

After a 15th-placed finish in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division in 2021/22, Holder guided Hadleigh to ninth place in his second season in charge.

Steve Holder will take charge of his final game as Hadleigh boss on Wednesday against Long Melford. Picture: Mark Westley
Steve Holder will take charge of his final game as Hadleigh boss on Wednesday against Long Melford. Picture: Mark Westley

Hadleigh, who currently sit 12th in the Premier Division table, could finish 11th this term if they are to better Soham Town Rangers’ result in the final match of the campaign when they host Long Melford on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Melford boss David Hennessey will also take charge of his last game in midweek after he announced he will leave the 17th-placed side last week.

In a statement announcing his departure, Holder wrote: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Hadleigh United, however my time will be coming to an end on Wednesday night.”

Steve Holder took over as Hadleigh United boss in June 2021. Picture: Mark Westley
Steve Holder took over as Hadleigh United boss in June 2021. Picture: Mark Westley

Holder described taking over as first-team boss as a ‘thankless task’, and stated: “At 33 years old, going into my first managerial job was always going to be a challenge, as well as cutting my playing days short.

“First season was always going to be trial and error, and a lot of people said I’d be gone by Christmas, but I continued to work hard and learn my trade.

“It was a difficult season, but there were some highs and some lows, wins in the FA Cup and FA Vase away to Walthamstow, Norwich United and Wroxham.”

Holder highlighted he wanted to build a team that he could see himself playing in during his second season as Hadleigh boss, and picked out his side’s 10-game unbeaten run – nine wins and a draw to equal the club’s record – as a favourite moment of his time in charge.

“I would like to thank John Chinnery (chairman), Tracy Croker (chairlady) and Mark Ward (vice chairman) for your continued support for me whilst I have been at the football club,” Holder wrote.

“Also a mention to Rolf (treasurer), Pete (kit man), Merv and Martin who do a fantastic job on the pitch, the girls behind the bar and of course the late John Day.

“(Thank you to) all the supporters who have supported me along the way, Hannah for her fantastic photos and of course, thank you to every player who has played for me.

“But my biggest thank you goes to Neil Henderson (club secretary). What an amazing job Neil does. I will miss my chats with Neil, I think we speak 100 times a day.

“I will be a Hadleigh supporter myself now as it’s a club I will hold closely to my heart. I can honestly say I have given everything I’ve got to this club in the nearly five years I have been here.

“I will walk away with my head held high. Thanks again.”