Soham Town Rangers announce exits of manager Brett Whaley and chairman Mark Goldsack
Soham Town Rangers have announced the departures of both manager Brett Whaley and chairman Mark Goldsack.
The experienced Whaley only arrived at Julius Martin Lane in May, having taken over the role from Lloyd Groves.
However, after overseeing just three wins from the Greens’ opening 14 Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division fixtures so far this term, Whaley has opted to step down alongside his assistant Bruno Porfirio.
News of Whaley’s exit came a matter of hours after the club confirmed that Mark Goldsack had also left his role as chairman.
Goldsack, who had held the position for five years, has been replaced by Michael Firek, with Shaun Firek and Scott Fretwell appointed joint vice-chairmen.
The departing Whaley said: “When we took this job, we knew it was always going to need a patient rebuild. However, it has been a very difficult start to the season. Significant challenges with recruitment and injuries have impacted on results and the start we wanted.
“I feel now is the right time to step aside and allow the new committee the opportunity for a fresh start and to bring in a management team that will build on our foundations.
“I’d like to thank Mark Goldsack and his committee for giving me the opportunity to manage the football club, and for their unwavering support while I’ve been here. I’d also like to wish Michael Firek and the incoming committee every success going forward. I have no doubt that their plans to bring the club together with the local community will make Soham Town Rangers successful.”
Meanwhile, new chairman Firek added: “I am delighted and honoured to be leading this club forward with a clear vision and strategy that will raise our profile as a leading local football club and asset for the community we are proud to serve.
“We have a great deal of appreciation for Mark and his leadership team for what they have done for the club, and see this as an exciting next phase for our great club to progress and succeed.”
And on Whaley, he added: “Brett and his management team have maintained a thoroughly professional approach since coming into the club with an unwavering commitment to improve things, but unfortunately the progress and results have not been where either party want it to be. The club would like to thank Brett and Bruno for their efforts and wish them every success for the future.”
Sam Spencer and Lee Chaffey have been put in interim charge of the first team while the club begins the process of appointing a permanent successor to Whaley.
