Moneyslane manager steps down

A statement released by the club said that the match against Laurelvale Fc on Tuesday 31st May will be Johnstone’s last.

David Johnstone explained his decision to step away from the dugout.

He said: “It was always my intention to step down at the end of the season. I had promised my two teenage sons Joshua and Caleb that this would be a football free summer for the first time in their lives and I can’t go back on my word.

“After an exceptionally busy last six months that has seen me travel to 11 countries with business, spending time with my family is my priority for the next few months.

“When I took over at Moneyslane FC two and a half years ago it was really only to help them to the end of that season.

“Then Darragh Peden agreed to come on board and we signed some good players and won the Alan Wilson Cup so I decided to stay another year to push for promotion which is what the club really wanted.

“We delivered that by winning 19 of our first 21 league games which is phenomenal.”

“I had really hoped to go out by winning the Alan Wilson Cup last Friday night but the disappointing loss has absolutely nothing to do with this decision.

“I was gutted to not give our unbelievable supporters another trophy but truly humbled by their affection shown to the players who had given their all.

“I am standing down as manager but will be around to help the new manager when he is appointed in any way I can and also take a few coaching sessions for the juniors.

“In the future I may go back into football as a manager, assistant or even coach but that will certainly not be in the near future. ”

“Moneyslane FC is a truly special club. It was the first club I signed for some 27 years ago and I am privileged and honoured to have won the first Intermediate trophy and gained promotion to Intermediate A.

“This football club has risen from 18 players and a hired pitch in 1983 to having delivered Jubilee Park. The club started at the bottom working it’s way through the Newcastle League to now Intermediate A of the MUFL.

“All only through sheer hard work and effort by successive managers, players, committees & club members and therefore has earned that respect.

“I want to thank the Chairman, Committee, Supporters Club and incredible fans for their excellent support during my time as manager. To my backroom staff of Darragh, Matty, Iain and Lyndsay I owe huge appreciation.

“I am confident that with the right man coming in there will be even better days ahead for the club.”