Dillon Departs
Tadley-Calleva regretfully announce that joint manager Ben Dillon has taken the tough decision to step down from his role at the football club.
Ben joined us during the 2021/22 season and guided us to a mid-table position after being bottom of the Combined Counties Premier North after the first ten fixtures.
Alongside Joe Lawler, Dillon helped to rebuild the squad as we moved to Combined Counties Premier League South last season, finishing eighth.
Upon speaking with Ben, he had the following to add.
' First of all I’d like to thank everyone at Tadley-Calleva for the support and backing they've shown me in the last couple of years. Tadley is, and always will be a special place for me.
I enjoyed great times here as a player under Craig Effer and even better times as joint manager.
Joe and I as joint managers have stabalised the club with a 10th and 8th place finish in the past two seasons. This season the club are hoping for another improvement, especially with play offs being introduced.
I've learnt a lot about being a manager over the past ten years. From my times at Hartley Wintney, Badshot Lea, Cove and Tadley.
Being a a manager isn't just work on training & match days. It's more than preparing a session or doing a warm up. It's checking in with the players daily and sharing thoughts, always working on whats next and trying to improve yourself, the club & the team every day.
This is why I have been forced to make the difficult decision to step down at Tadley-Calleva FC. The busy schedule in my private life doesn’t allow me to give what the club needs. In order for me and my team to be successful, I need to be doing all of the above.
If I can't give it 100% then it doesn’t work.
I've had a brilliant time here & I hope one day I’ll be able to return again. I feel as though I've done all I can for now and leave the club with a great management team & a brillaint squad of players.
I’ll be keeping up with the results and if asked, give any advice needed.
To all the fans, players and staff, I really thank you. Especially chairman Sandy, who showed faith in Joe & I.
I know Joe will continue with our targets and what we are building. Joe is a fantastic manager and has been a joy to work with for many years now.
Good luck everyone and thank you!'
We would like to thank Ben enormously for his work over the last two seasons and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
Chairman Sandy Russell told Tadley-Calleva.com 'We are extremely thankful for Ben's contribution over the last two seasons. Alongside Joe, he has got the club to a position where we can build on solid foundations.
We reluctantly accept Ben's resignation but wholeheartedly accept his decision to do so. All at Tadley-Calleva wish Ben the best for the future and hope to see him at Barlow's Park again in the very soon'
Despite the news of Ben's departure, we are delighted to confirm that the current management structure will remain in place for the upcoming campaign.
