It’s an end of era at Holywell Town, as current boss John Haseldin has decided to leave Holywell Town at the end of the season due to increased work commitments.
After being at the club for 18 years on and off, Haseldin will go down as legend at Halkin Road.
The final game of the 2017/18 season will be Haseldin’s final game in charge of the club, but it was a decision he took with a heavy heart.
“The decision is mainly down to forthcoming increased work commitments, there is a possibility that my working week will change in the near future and while things are still unsettled then I can’t commit fully to the managers job at Holywell. Although it was a very difficult decision to make I felt it was important to make it as early as possible to give the club enough time to find a suitable replacement.”
In his six years as Holywell Town manager, he’s led the club during an illustrious period. After winning the treble back in 2014/15 season winning the Welsh Alliance, FAW Trophy and Mawddach Cup, he guided the club to help them maintain their Huws Gray Alliance status and had a famous Welsh Cup run, during which they reached the semi finals.
“If you look at where the club was when I took over and where it is now we have made huge strides and I’m very proud of what we have achieved for the club. We have had some tough times with very limited resources but we have always managed to get the best out of the players, pull them together and make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. The club and the loyal supporters deserve success and I am proud to have played a small part in bringing some good times back to the club.”
Haseldin has been involved with the Wellman for a number of years, and this has included a number of fantastic memories. During his six years as manager, he became a fan’s favourite.
But when asked which season was his most memorable, he was hard pressed to find a definitive answer.
“I genuinely couldn’t pick a year because all of them have been so memorable. We have had a promotion, Welsh Cup Semi Final, 3 top 5 finishes in the CA and 7 cup finals in 6 years it’s been an unbelievable journey. We have worked really hard to have the success and I couldn’t have done this without such supportive people around myself and the team. I was young, I had no experience and a lot of critics and for that I am so grateful to the people at club that gave me the opportunity to manage the club, hopefully I’ve justified their decision.”
But in typical Haseldin style, the manager has urged the fan base and current playing staff to give their full backing to the new manager, when the club announce his replacement.
“It is important that the club continues to move forward and they appoint someone that has the club’s best interests at heart. Although people don’t like change sometimes it can be for the better and it can have a positive effect and that’s what I hope now more than anything. There’s a great set of players and supporters there at the club and I urge them to stick together and get behind the new manager whoever it may be.”
For now, the manager isn’t sure what lies ahead for him in football. However, after six years at the helm, he is looking forward to a break away from the game, but cannot see a prolonged spell away from the game.
Despite his current situation, he is insistent that he wants to return as a manager again.
“I can’t answer that at the moment because I honestly don’t know. Hopefully if possible I won’t be to long out of football but for the time being I will enjoy the break.”
But right now, Holywell and Haseldin will be sorry to part ways after what has been a memorable six years.
Featured Image: Chris Noble
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