Praise as Jersey Bulls manager steps down after five years

Tuesday 07 May 2024

The manager of Jersey Bulls has resigned after guiding the team to second place in the Combined Counties Premier South this season.

Gary Freeman and his management team resigned from the football club yesterday with immediate effect.

It comes after Jersey Bull FC's promotional journey ended this weekend with a 2-1 loss to AFC Croydon Athletic at Springfield Stadium.

In a statement posted on social media, the club said: "We are immensely grateful for everything Gary and his team; Kevan Nelson, Richard Hebert and Dan Seviour have contributed to the establishment and continued growth of the football club.

"Without their efforts we would not be the club we are today."

In his resignation letter to the Jersey Bulls board, Freeman said: "I’d like to thank you all, for the fantastic opportunity to manage your club, it has been an unbelievable five years. So many wonderful memories that will stay with me for ever.

"The time, work, and effort everyone puts in largely goes unnoticed by others, but certainly not by me. You should be proud that you have built a football club that the island is proud of, a place where coaches and players can grow and test themselves and the public can get behind and support."

Jersey Bulls Chairman, Russell Le Feuvre said: "Gary will always be a Jersey Bulls FC legend, he came into the unknown and embraced every challenge thrown at him and the club.

"It has been an amazing five years and from the start to where we are now is testament to him and his management teams’ dedication and the commitment, they have shown the club and the island."

Freeman became Jersey Bulls manager in the summer of 2019 and led the time to victory in every game of the 2019/20 season before the pandemic stopped the season.

The same happened in the 2020/21 season, but an English FA league restructure saw Freeman and his team rewarded for their perfect record over two seasons with promotion to the Combined Counties Premier League South.

Pictured: Gary Freeman stepped down with immediate effect alongside his team Kevan Nelson, Richard Hebert and Dan Seviour.

Tributes poured in on social media following the announcement of Freeman's resignation.

Tom De La Cour said: "Thank you Gary and the team, what an incredible dedication you have all shown to the club.

"You have set the standard high from the beginning, on and off the pitch, and your efforts are greatly appreciated."

Mark Kristian wrote: "Unbelievable news, yet nothing but thanks and appreciation to your commitment and managing over the last five years.

"It's been a great run for club, players and fans alike. All the best to Gary and the entire team.

"Hope the Bulls can find someone even close to your level to keep this great Jersey Bulls run going."

Aaron Travers said: "Thanks to Gary and his team. They have produced some special moments and memories galvanising the football and local community to back the Bulls.

"Thank you and good luck for your future endeavours."

Ben Buesnel wrote: "The amount of hours Gary and Kev and the team put in were incredible. Thank you for the memories! You will be missed."

Barry Beatson commented: "Well done to Gary and the team around him to put in the hard graft for five years. You should be proud of what you've achieved over the years."