Holyport's new manager to be announced imminently, according to head of football matters

Holyport fans are merely weeks away from finding out who their club’s next manager is according to Neil McGuinness, the head of football matters.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Sam Lock (above) would be stepping out of the hotseat at the Summerleaze and away from football completely to spend more time with his wife and young family.

Lock managed almost 100 games for Port and enjoyed an abundance of success, including the most points won in a season at step five, the highest league position ever achieved, and the club's best-ever FA Vase and FA Cup runs.

With some pre-season friendlies on the horizon, supporters and the team’s rivals will undoubtedly be chewing their fingernails over who is going to take the managerial baton and when.

Speaking to the Advertiser this week, Holyport’s McGuinness revealed: “We’re still in the interview process at the minute – it’s not been easy to whittle down [the candidates]. We’ve had a good response and seen plenty of positives in the applicants, from what they’ve done in the past to what they can bring.

“The person we hire will fit in with the culture of the club. They’re going to be of the right standard as a person and set the right style [of football].

“I would say [expect an announcement] in the coming weeks definitely. It’s not something we want to delay further than is necessary, for everyone really.

“The prospective new manager will certainly want to get in and get cracking with the players. It’s May and it won’t be long until we’re into pre-season.”

McGuinness added: “We’re so grateful for all the work Sam did. Undoubtedly the team overachieved last season which is absolutely fantastic. Getting little old Holyport managed to get into the play-offs was incredible.

“We’re confident we can bring in someone just as ambitious and caring to the players. That is really important to the board.”

Holyport will host neighbours Maidenhead United on Saturday, July 6 for a pre-season friendly.

Port are encouraging other clubs to get in touch to help fill up their pre-season calendar.