Smith ponders future at Walsham

Elvin King

WALSHAM-le-Willows have been rocked by a New Year's Eve message from manager Paul Smith that he is considering leaving the club.

Smith has been in charge of the Ridgeons League Premier Division club for 10 years taking them from the SIL to mix it with the biggest clubs in the region.

Along with chairman Mike Powles he has been a leading figure in steering the village club to its current exalted position.

But the former top grade striker, who starred for Sudbury Town in the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium in 1989 and impressed wherever he played winning a host of medals, feels he may have overstayed his welcome.

“I shall be seeing Mike in the New Year to discuss my future,” said Smith.

“A decision will be made after that.

“At the end of the day it will come down to why I manage.

“There are times when I feel that at Walsham we are making the numbers up for others to win silverware.

“I have ambition, and I want to do as a manager what I did as a player - win things, championships and cup finals.”

Smith has expressed doubts about his long-term future at Walsham before and if he was to leave there would be other clubs that would quickly show an interest.

Such is his managerial record, and knowing that Smith is feeling unsettled, will raise a few eyebrows in the boardrooms of clubs around the area with more wherewithal than homely Walsham.

The village side is punching above its weight and Smith would be a hard act to follow if he does leave.

Powles will no doubt do all he can to keep him, and the two have an excellent working relationship.

“After 10 years a new challenge appeals,” added Smith.

“You can get a bit stale and perhaps a freshening up at Walsham could benefit them. And a move could freshen things up for me as well.”