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Recruitment is underway to find a new manager for Jersey Men's FA after it was confirmed that Elliot Powell will be stepping down mid-season.
Powell will bow out after next month’s Under-21s Ambassadeur Bowl match against Guernsey on Sunday 10 November to focus on his commitment to the Bulls' squad.
Jersey FA said that the recruitment process has now immediately begun to find a replacement who will be the sixth manager of the squad in 15 years.
Powell's successor will be responsible for Jersey FA's senior men's squad and U21 sides as Jersey FA decides to combine the position.
Having taking over the position as interim manager in 2023, the 26-year-old – the side's youngest ever manager – led his team to a gold medal in last year's Island Games, Jersey's first success in the competition in 14 years.
Powell also oversaw an impressive Muratti win at Springfield in May.
“Having the opportunity to lead Jersey has without doubt been the proudest moment of my career to date and I’d like to thank David Kennedy, Jimmy Kelly and Tim Pryor for the opportunity and their support throughout,” said Powell.
“Ultimately circumstances have dictated this decision [to step down] and whilst wholeheartedly supporting the Association’s move to combine both Senior and U21 positions, I unfortunately cannot provide the commitment or dedication that such a prestigious role demands.
“The Island Games triumph, followed by a dramatic Muratti win are memories that I will cherish forever, and I will be supporting the new management team from the stands as they look to defend both in 2025.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my coaching staff of Dan Garton, David Kennedy, Peter Vincenti, Lucas Parker, Andy Dewhurst, Richard Hebert and Glen Johnson for their unwavering support and expertise during my tenure.”
Powell’s FA coaching team will be stepping all with him to "pave the way for a new regime", it was also announced.
The next manager will have a busy schedule ahead in the second half of this season, managing the Under-21s against Northern Ireland Schoolboys in February followed by the annual Muratti and the Island Games gold medal defence in Orkney next summer.
Tim Pryor, Chief Executive of the Jersey FA, added that he respects Powell's decision.
“Whilst we’re disappointed that Elliot has decided to step down, we respect his decision and completely understand the commitment, bandwidth and time required to ensure Jersey Bulls are successful.
“I thank Elliot, on behalf of the Jersey Football Association, for his diligent and passionate work in the Jersey men’s role over the past few years, and it’s a credit to his professionalism that he’s come to us now with this early decision to allow us time to plan for his successor.
“There’s an exciting 2025 ahead for the successful applicant, with the opportunity to build on recent successes, but also to shape a team of their own that Jersey can be proud of.”
Applications for the role close on Sunday 3 November 2024. More information can be found HERE
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