VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT THE MANAGER'S Rob Fellingham

First Team

FIRSTLY, I just want to say a massive thank-you to all the lads on Saturday. I’m sure it came as a bit of a shock that I was stepping in as player-manager until the end of the season, but they all rallied around and stepped up in a big way.

I’d like to pay tribute to Ju. He’s a legend at this club both on and off the field, his commitment and drive will be impossible to replace. I know a lot of the lads have spoken to him and thanked him for everything he did and his tireless effort.

This club has an outstanding, rich history and it’s a great honour to step in as manager in the short term.

I think everyone would agree a player-manager isn’t the most ideal situation, but I’m confident we can make it work. We’re all good friends here and everyone wants to pull in the right direction.

Luke Clifton has agreed to come up and help out running the 1sts – I couldn’t be more pleased. He was great in his spell as Ressies manager a few years ago, he’s well respected and a great club man.

I think it goes without saying we as a club are going through a bit of a tough period in terms of players and availability. It’s not unique to Lyme by any stretch – it’s local football in general. Our aim will simply be to bring the lads together and try and make it fun. If it’s fun and people enjoy it, hopefully, they’ll stick around and it might attract a few more to come over in the future.