Godolphin Atlantic have begun the search for a new first team manager following the resignation of existing incumbent Adam Paterson, writes Tom Howe.
Paterson informed club officials on Monday evening that he would be resigning from his post due to work commitments, with his latest role resulting in a move to Surrey.
Alongside first team coach Josh Stockdale, Paterson took charge of Godolphin ahead of the 2021-22 South West Peninsula (SWP) League season and, following a few years of decline, set about rebuilding a team able to compete at step six.
The Sky Blues showed plenty of promise throughout the campaign, with their plethora of young talent consistently catching the eye. Hopes in the camp remain high that the club can continue to build, albeit without their talismanic manager.
“This was an extremely tough decision to make when you take into consideration that we have bought into a long term project at this football club,” said Paterson in an exclusive interview with Cornwall Sports Media. “The players have bought into it as well and we don’t want that to disappear.
“I was offered this job six months ago but I turned it down because I didn’t want to walk away from this football club and leave the project that we had started. I wanted to see that through to the end. This time, the offer that is on the table is too good to say no to.
“That is why I have made the decision to move and to step down. There are no real changes other than that at the football club. The aims and the targets remain the same. They still want to achieve the same things, they are still buying into the same philosophy and the project is still there.
“Josh still wants to be involved but it is just unfortunate that, having been buying into it myself, I can’t now see it through but it is one of those things. It is not really about me though, the important thing now is how I can help the football club progress the project without being there.”
Paterson will remain in charge while a replacement is sought, with the desired candidate able to work alongside Stockdale to ‘help push the club forward’ and ‘maintain the project already underway’.
A club statement confirmed: “Business will continue as normal. Pre-season training and fixtures will still be completed with Adam at the helm until the club makes an appointment.
“We are disappointed to see him step down but after recently accepting a new job outside of football, based in London, there was ultimately no other way.”
The manager’s job at the Newquay-based club is an attractive one, thanks in-part to the dedication of Paterson himself who has worked tirelessly to ensure he leaves the entire club picture in a better place than he found it.
Ready to embark on their tenth season of SWP Premier football, the club also have the prospect of FA Vase competition lying ahead, with the visit of Barnstaple Town to Godolphin Way booked in for August 27.
Key first team signings, including the return of former Larkhall Athletic and Mangotsfield Town goalkeeper Shaun Semmens, are backed up by the resurgence of the club’s second string who will ply their trade in Duchy League Division Two this coming season.
“We are obviously looking for somebody who buys into the philosophy and the way we are trying to play football,” concluded Paterson.
“We are looking for somebody who is willing to work with young footballers, due to all of the young talent we have at the club still.
“We don’t want to lose that, we still want that ethos and identity. Those young players are the club’s future.”
For further information, or to apply for the role, call 07885 223309 or 01637 880421.
[Featured image: Colin Bradbury / Cornwall Sports Media]