MAIDENHEAD United manager Alan Devonshire has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season because he is no longer enjoying the challenge.
He told the Advertiser this week: “Lots of different things have gone into me making this decision.
“I’m just not enjoying it as much as I should. I added it all up and decided it was time to go.”
He added: “I’ve been thinking seriously about it since Christmas. I have changed my mind many times, but now I know I have made the right decision for me.
“It is possible to out-stay your welcome and I don’t want that to happen.
“I was persuaded, against my better judgment, to stay an extra year as a player at West Ham and I was miserable. I’ve always regretted that decision.”
Another reason for his departure is that club chairman Roger Coombs is standing down at the end of the season.
The two have built up a good working relationship and Coombs’ decision to step down will have added weight to Devonshire’s argument for leaving York Road.
But as he admits, it was not an easy choice: “It was a very personal decision. I have made a lot of good friends at the club.”
However scotching rumours to the contrary, Devonshire confirmed that he wanted to remain in football management but did not have a job to walk into.
He said: “There is no other club in the frame. I’ll just have to wait and see what turns up.”
Devonshire has been in sole charge at the club for seven years during which time the club has gained promotion, reached seven cup finals and will finish the season in its highest ever position.
As to who will take over the reins, nothing has been decided yet, and according to Devonshire he has not been asked to venture an opinion.
The rumour mill has already been working overtime with Colin Lippiatt, George Borg, George Talbot, and former players Tim Cook and Garry Attrell being some of the names thrown around.
To try to clarify the position, the club released a statement saying: “Alan has found that his enthusiasm has waned in recent months and feels the time has come for a change, both for him and the club.
“Since being recruited in the summer of 1996 Devonshire has brought a new air of success to York Road coupled with sensible fiscal management.
“The club are obviously disappointed by his decision but respect it and wish him well in his future career.
“The club have already started to seek applicants to replace Devonshire so that the new manager will have a full pre-season to take control of team affairs.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Magpies travel to Bishop’s Stortford, while on Tuesday they entertain Harrow Borough, kick-off 7.45pm.

Club's official statement (25.04.03)

MAIDENHEAD United manager Alan Devonshire has decided to leave the club at the end of the season.
Alan, who has been with the Ryman Premier club for almost seven years has found that his enthusiasm has waned in recent months and feels the time has come for a change, both for him and the club.
Since being recruited in the summer of 1996 Devonshire has brought a new air of success to York Road coupled with sensible fiscal management.
The Club are obviously disappointed by his decision but respect it and wish him well in his future career.
In his seven-season spell at York Road Devonshire, arguably the most successful manager ever in the club's history, guided them to one promotion, seven cup finals and the highest league position in their 133-year history.
The club have already started to seek applicants to replace Devonshire so that the new manager will have a full pre-season to take control of team affairs.

Jon Swan
Vice Chairman