Nottinghamshire FA Senior Trophy winners, and Central Midlands League North runners-up, Retford United, are looking for a new manager after Liam Kay announced, unexpectedly, that he’d departed the club, on Wednesday (15 June) night.

Kay, who’d enjoyed a successful couple of years, on-field, with the Badgers, is understandably down-heartened by his decision to leave, but sometimes, needs must.

Winning the Chairman’s Cup in 2021, a 3-1 win over Mickelover Reserves, the Badgers, under Kay’s guidance, followed that up with a runners-up spot in the league the following (last) season, missing out on the title, and promotion, by two points, to county rivals, Newark Town.

Alongside that runners-up spot they would also fall just short in the Abacus Floodlit Cup, losing 2-1 against Sherwood Colliery Reserves in the final, before finishing the campaign with a hard-fought, gritty, 1-0 win against said, rivals, Newark Town.

Not outside the top three in the league come the ‘end of season’ tables (2020 and 2021 were curtailed because of covid), Kay’s tenure at Cannon Park can be deemed as having been a successful one.

In a lengthy statement, Liam said: “Unfortunately my time at Retford United has come to an end and I have handed in my resignation.

“Last season was a tough season for me personally, it’s no secret what went off at the start of pre-season which has been hard to accept along with other personal things but I suppose that’s life and that’s football for you.

“That aside I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Retford United and believe we have put the club in a much stronger position than when we first came, have gained the club some silverware after many years without and have helped put the club on the right track moving into next season and the future.

“Over the past three seasons, two that have been stopped because of covid and then finally a full season this time around has seen us finish the first two covid hit seasons in third place and first place at the time and this season gone saw us finish second and lose out on promotion by two points.

“We have won two cup finals along the way and over my period as manager P96 W72 D8 L13, hopefully the supporters and volunteers have enjoyed watching the club over my time and have seen us make the club better.

“I’d like to thank all the supporters who have backed me right from the start and through the tough times.

“I can’t thank you all enough for that, also Stevo, Cogs and Mouse who work alongside me.  I wouldn’t change these lads for anything and they have backed me all the way.

“Hopefully not for the last time.

“I’d finally like to thank the players, it’s a fantastic squad.

“The dressing room is one of the best I’ve been around as a player or manager.

“They have stuck by me through thick and thin and I’m gutted I won’t be walking into that dressing room with them again.

“They have been loyal and stayed with me each season and I showed my loyalty to them last season.

“I’ve given 100% over the last few seasons to the club and wish them every success for the new season.

“I’ll leave with my head held high knowing I have built something good here, for the next manager to continue.

“I hope the supporters and chairman get what they badly deserve and see the club back up the pyramid soon enough.

“For me it’s time to spend quality time with my family and hopefully return to the dugout in the future, you never know.”

Among those to wish Liam the best moving forward was that of Retford United’s rivals, Newark Town, they saying: “All the best Liam, you’ve gone with a cup.

“Always knew we were in for a game against yourself, your colleagues and your players.”

Whilst Tom Crosby summed it up nicely when adding: “Been a class couple of years or so my mate! Thanks for everything!”

Although Retford United are yet to comment on the situation, they will no doubt be working hard behind the scenes to find a worthwhile replacement for the outgoing Liam Kay, meanwhile, ourselves at the Nottingham Sport would like to pass on our thanks to Liam for his support over the past couple of seasons.

Congratulations on a good run, and all the best for the future – keep in touch (especially if at another Nottinghamshire club).

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @RetfordUnited Manager Liam Kay has stepped down as Badgers Boss.