Paul Holleran to remain as Leamington manager next season

PAUL HOLLERAN has been backed by the Leamington board of directors and will remain as manager despite missing out on promotion from the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier.

Relegated from the Conference North in 2014-15, the Brakes were 26 minutes away from an instant return but Hungerford Town came back to claim victory in the play-off final and break Leamington hearts.

Despite that disappointment, Holleran – who led the club to the Southern Premier title in 2012-13 – will continue in his role after discussions with the Brakes’ board of directors.

The board pointed out the back-to-back relegations of Hyde United and Colwyn Bay and say they are confident that Holleran will put a squad together that is capable of promotion next season.

A board statement said: “Following boardroom discussions and a weekend meeting with manager Paul Holleran we are delighted to announce that he will continue in the hot seat for season 2016-17.

“Season 2015-16 was always going to be a difficult one following the deflation of our relegation from the Conference North. Historically clubs often struggle following a relegation as evidenced by Hyde United and Colwyn Bay who both having been relegated alongside us in 2014-15 have been relegated again this past season.

“Whilst there have been disappointments this past campaign, it is testimony to the team management skills and spirit within the dressing room that we came so close to bouncing back at the first time of trying.

“As ever Paul Holleran and his management team will re-assess the playing staff acknowledging there is a need to re-energise the squad but also comfortable in the knowledge that a strong backbone of experienced players are in place and up for the challenge of trying to secure promotion next season.”