Michael Golding drops bombshell and announces his departure from Corinthian after an incredible 10 years in charge at Gay Dawn Farm

CORINTHIAN manager Michael Golding has dropped a bombshell by stepping down from the role at his home-town club at the end of the season after an incredible 10 years at the helm at Gay Dawn Farm.

 

Golding announced his departure yesterday, with the club in ninth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, having picked up 44 points (11 wins, 11 draws and 11 defeats) from their 33 league outings.

“After 10 incredible years, it’s time for me to step down as first-team manager of this wonderful football club,” said Golding in a statement.

“It’s hard to put into words what this club means to me and I’m not sure I’ll ever truly be able to convey how much this experience has shaped me and helped me grow, both as a person and as a football manager.

“When I first took on this role, I never would have imagined the journey we would embark on together.

“From the memorable highs, particularly the Vase run and promotion to Step Four, to the tougher days when we had to dig deep, I’ve cherished and learned from every month.

“This club is more than just a team; it’s a family and I’ve been honoured to serve as part of it.

“To the just under 200 players, past and present, that have represented me and the club, whether you have played hundreds of games or were lads that made the bench just once, thank you!

“I know many of you have shown loyalty to me beyond what could and should be expected, especially in a world where loyalty seems to be a dying trait and for that I will forever be grateful and proud of you.

“Throughout the 10 years, there have been different variations of the management team and each of you have played such an important role in the progression and development of this football club.

“Winning promotion was no less than we deserved for our hard work and efforts and I am pleased to have been able to share this with you.

“To the current management team, first and foremost, you are an unbelievable group of people and that should never be underestimated or taken for granted.

“The long hours, the planning, the sacrificies, none of this would have been possible without your commitment and dedication.  You’ve always been there and for that, I will be forever appreciative.

“To our small but loyal band of supporters, your unwavering loyalty and passion have been a constant source of inspiration.

“You’ve stood by us through thick and think. I know it hasn’t always been an easy watch but hopefully you know that we have always given our maximum effort for you each week, regardless of whether the quality was there or not.

“To Bonze, Charlotte and Sue (the Billings family, the owners of the club), thank you for the opportunity to manage your football club for the support, for the experience for the memories I’ve made here, both on and off the pitch, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“It has truly been a privilege to manage this team and though I may be stepping away from the dug-out, I will always be a fan and I’m excited to come back and watch a game with you all.

“Thank you for an unforgettable 10 years.”

A club statement added: “At the end of the season, our gaffer is leaving, so we wrote him a poem but no words will show him how grateful we are, he's taken The Hoops so far.

“The last 10 years have been fun but the time has come, so let’s end on a high as we say goodbye to the one and only Michael Golding.”

Golding’s men complete their ninth-tier campaign against Holmesdale (away, Saturday), Hollands & Blair (home, 12 April), Tunbridge Wells (away, 19 April), Whitstable Town (home, 23 April) and Lydd Town (away, 26 April).