Magpies need new boss with Matty Holmes leading academy launch

Southern League Wimborne Town are looking for a new manager after Matty Holmes left their hot-seat on Wednesday to became the club’s community and academy director of football.
The former Bournemouth, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton, West Ham and Dorchester midfielder’s new role will see him set up and oversee Town’s new academy when it launches next month.
In a statement released by the Magpies, Danny Holmes and Shane Traynor were named as joint caretaker managers until an appointment is made with the duo taking charge for Saturday’s trip to Truro City in the FA Cup‘s First Qualifying Round – find FA Cup prices at soccer betting odds.
Holmes, pictured, arrived as Magpies boss in May 2016, overseeing promotion to Southern League Premier Division South and Step 3 for the first time in the club’s history in his second season in charge.
The 50-year-old guided Town to safety last season with three points to spare. He moves into his new role on a high after the Magpies beat Walton Casuals 4-1 at Cuthbury on Saturday in his final outing to record a first win of the season.
Wimborne Town chairman Tony Grant said: “The time is now right for Matty to move into this new role. He has done a tremendous job in managing the first team, introducing a coaching and playing style and bringing a level of professionalism to the club on the playing side.”
Holmes said: “When I first joined the club, it was always the intention that I would move into this role once the demand had been created. We are now at that tipping point. I am really excited about the future that this club has.
“We’ve a new ground being built with new facilities, plus a tremendous amount of coaching commitments that I have been successful at winning.”
He added: “I’m also excited about getting my teeth into launching the new academy, which will help introduce a flow of talent from youth football into the senior sides in the future.”
Director Graham Bell explained the approach they would be taking to recruiting a successor to Holmes. “Matty has introduced a certain playing style, which all the lads buy into,” he said.
“It’s really important that we continue with this same style and playing ethos, so we will be looking to appoint a new manager who shares this same style and will continue the great work Matty has done.”
Wimborne Town president Ken Stewart also paid tribute to Holmes in the club’s statement, adding: “The club would like to wish Matty all the best in his new role at the club, which we all feel is perfect for him and a very important new venture for all of us and we thank him for his sterling work.
“We also would like to thank Danny and Shane for stepping up with the first team while a new manager is considered.”
Image courtesy of Tony Fowles/ESA Photos