Loxwood FC Director of Football and First team Manager Dave Cocoracchio has announced he will be stepping down at the end of this season, due to personal reasons. This marks the end of a long term and highly successful relationship with the club. Dave will be replaced by Gareth Neathy, who has been the assistant manager to the Senior first and U18 teams this season 2017/18.
Barry Hunter, the club's outgoing chairman say:
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“The club has nothing but praise and appreciation for the contribution Dave has made to the club both on and off the park during his seven year tenure.
"On a personal level I want to thank Dave for his leadership, competitiveness and achievements he has delivered as our 1st team manager. Dave took the club to new horizons, firstly by winning our first senior trophy as Division 2 Cup winners in 2013/14 before leading us to promotion the following season, into the Premier league of Sussex County football, for the first time in our history, where we have regularly finished top 8. As Director of Football Dave has also overseen the development and integration of the junior and youth side of the club, including the 2014/15 double winning U18's. During his tenure Dave also took the club to the semi-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup. Off the park, Dave has been central to a lot of the drive and energy that has given the club the momentum it has needed to compete as a step 5 Club" |
Incoming club chairman, Mark Lacey, said:
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“We fully understand Dave's reasons for stepping down and we wish him every future success. Dave has been instrumental in helping me find a suitable replacement and I am delighted to announce that Gareth Neathy will become the clubs new first team manager. Gareth has been a part of team management at the club for 4 years now, both in the Youth and Senior sections, where he supported Dave as Assistant manager to both the first team and U18's this season. Gareth is local and knows County league football well, both as a player and manager. More importantly, Gareth knows Loxwood well, our DNA and our ambitions as a club and I believe he will bring important continuity to the role, something we really value."
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On his stepping down and the appointment of Gareth, Dav Cocoracchio said:
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“I have had 7 unbelievable years at Loxwood FC both as the 1st Team Manager and the Director of Football. In that time we have achieved so much both on and off the pitch and I have wonderful memories of my time at the club. Loxwood FC is lucky to have such a wonderful committee and during that time I would like to thank them all for their unwavouring support and commitment to the cause.
I would also like to thank all of the players that have played under me in that time as well as my management team. I have been lucky to work with wonderful people all of who have had great values, ethics and dedication to what we have tried to achieve. I can honestly say that we have come such a long way in the 7 years I have been at the club and I am very proud to be able to say that the club is in a far better place now than it was then and I leave the club in a very strong position. The club wanted to ensure continuity moving forward and I could not leave my role in better hands than Gareth. He has worked with me for a number of years now, has made such a positive impact with the players this season and I know he will take the club forward and do a wonderful job. I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only the committee, players, coaching staff and supporters for their support and kindness over the 7 years but I also want to thank my wife and my family for fully supporting me in the role and for allowing the 7 memorable years to be possible. I will continue to support the club whenever I can and look forward to coming back to The Nest as often as possible to watch the Magpies in action!” |
On his appointment, Gareth commented:
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“Taking over from Dave is not going to be easy as he has done so much for the club over the years on and off the field.
I’d personally like to thank him for his support over the years, and in making my decision to become 1st team manager. I’d like to wish him all the best for the future. Having coached in the youth set up, u18s and 1st team, becoming 1st team manager is something I’ve wanted to do and feel it’s the right time. I would like to thank Loxwood FC for giving me this opportunity. I know it’s going to be hard work but I’m ready for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.” |