Smith To Step Down As First Team Manager

Smith To Step Down As First Team Manager

The club can announce that Steve Smith will step down as Manager at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

Following our final home game of the campaign against Curzon Ashton on Saturday 20th April, Steve will stand down from his post having sat in the Blues hotseat on 252 occasionssince first taking the reins in September 2016.

Majority shareholder Steve will remain an important part of the club behind the scenes, including continuing in his capacity as a member of the Board of Directors.

Everybody here at the club would like to sincerely thank Steve for the many wonderful memories over the years, including steering the club to the Isthmian Premier League title in 2022/23.

Steve had a special message for Blues fans after announcing his decision and confirmed that the process of appointing a new First Team Manager is already underway:

After many weeks of thought and following discussions with my family, I can confirm that I have decided to step down as First Team Manager of Bishop’s Stortford Football Club at the end of this season.

It is a decision I arrive at with some sadness, but I feel that it is in the best interests of myself, my family, and the football club.

It has been an incredible honour to manage this wonderful club, but I feel the time is right for a new direction on the playing side which means a fresh face with fresh ideas in the changing room.

I will, of course, still be a part of the football club behind the scenes and will assist the new manager in any way I can whilst recognising they deserve the freedom to implement their own plans.

It has been a tremendous few years and I cannot step away without offering my heartfelt thanks to the officials and volunteers behind the scenes who do so much work, often unseen, to make our club such an outstanding place to be a part of. There are too many to mention by name, but they know who they are, and I am beyond grateful for their tireless effort week in, week out.

Thank you also all the lads who have played for me during the past few years, many of whom have been with me for several seasons now. It has been my pleasure to be your gaffer.

And last, but not least, thank you to our fantastic supporters.  You have always turned out in your numbers and travelled the length and breadth of the country to support us; together we have created some incredible memories. To be able to celebrate the club’s first title in 30 years with you last year was a special moment that I will forever treasure.

The board have already shortlisted several candidates and the interview process to select my successor is already underway. We look forward to bringing you that announcement soon.  

I ask that you continue to support the new Manager with the same commitment and passion that you have always shown me as we look forward to the 2024/25 season.

Allez Les Bleus

Steve