After another successful season, in which Acle United captured the Sterry Cup for the fourth successive year, Dean has released the following statement, prior to his final game in charge on Saturday at Blofield United.

"I have been at Acle Utd for 13 years as a player, a coach and a manager and I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club for their support during that time; the Chairman (Jim) and committee, supporters, match day team, physio team (Terry and Jenette) and, of course, Andrew Wright and Sammy Morgan. Finally a huge thank you to the players – I’ve been lucky enough to work with some top top lads. I said from day one of taking over that I wanted hardworking, technical players who, most importantly, had a good attitude. I like to think we stuck by that on the whole.

I’m extremely proud of the success we have had over the past few years (4 Sterry Cups is an outstanding achievement) but am also very aware that it is partly due to the years of hard work both on and off the pitch well before any Sterry Cup was possible.

I am also very aware that first teams find it very difficult to function well if they do not have the support of a well-run reserve side. Acle worked hard to push their reserves through the leagues so that they were in a position to support the first team better and I truly believe that they have played a huge part in the recent success. We’ve had some very good reserve team managers over the years but our departing one, Chris Linehan, has been fantastic and will be a big miss as he also steps aside.

I have a few reasons for stepping down – one of which is the nagging desire to get my boots back on (if anyone is looking for an ‘experienced’ centre circle midfielder then let me know).

Again, a huge thank you for the support I’ve had – Wrighty (apart from his spell as a kitchen fitter) has been a huge help, kept me organised and always let me know if players were taking the proverbial – if your best mate can’t be honest with you who can. Sammy Morgan’s experience and generosity of time and advice has been another huge reason for our success. As a young manager, having someone with his football knowledge and calibre around has been immeasurable.

I’m not sure of my plans next season but, if I’m not at Acle Utd in some capacity, then I wish the club, and the new managers, every success moving forward."
Deano

The Acle United committee would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude, for the hard work and dedication Dean has given to the club over the past 13 years as a player, coach and manager and wishes him good fortune in his next endeavours whether it be with Acle United or elsewhere.