New joint managers for Holwell Sports
Holwell Sports stalwart Ian Bitmead and former player Will Andrew are the new management duo at the Midland League Division One strugglers following the resignation of Liam Wild and Miguel de Souza.
But Bitmead admitted there was no magic wand and they just wanted to bring some fun and excitement back for fans and players alike.
Sports sit rock bottom with one win from their opening 10 games and have stepped aside for new joint managers in Bitmead, who played for the club for 24 years before assisting Wild and de Souza, and Andrew, who played for Holwell a few seasons – mostly reserve football – before recent spells at Dunkirk, Kirby Muxloe and, more recently, Lutterworth Town at Step 5.
“Me and Will will take over to the end of the season and re-evaluate things from there,” said Bitmead.
“There is no magic wand – we won't suddenly fly up the league. It's not about that. But we want to try to pull the club together again.
“Being bottom of the league, the only way is up.
“But we want to bring back the fun factor and we want people coming through the gate to support the club.
“We want to give them the kind of football they want to see. We want to entertain them and try our best.
“We know we have some real talent here in the squad.
“But people do forget these young lads are growing up playing against some very good players at this level. It's a big step and very daunting.
“We want to involve players from the reserve team and U18s but know it's not always possible to bring them in at such a high level as they would struggle. We do want them to enjoy their football.
“We will sit down with them at training this week and see which lads actually want to play at that level. If they do we will give them a chance.
“Liam and Miguel were great guys and great coaches but unfortunately, it just hasn't worked out for them.
“I have no doubt they will go on and manage at a higher level. It's just a shame it didn't work out for them at Holwell.”
Wild and de Souza originally took over as joint managers at Welby Road in the summer of 2025, guiding the team through a rebuilding phase in Midland League Division One.
Wild said: “It is a fantastic club with great potential and some great people working there.
“I have loved every minute of it.
“We took over 18 months ago and have put in the foundations.
“We have left them with a very good squad, though they do still have a lot of development to do.
“We got the club survival after one year and then their highest ever points total at Step 6.
“We were looking to build on that this year. We have built a squad that I do think will turn it around – you will see that.
“But we just think it's time for somebody else to take the reins and take the club to the next level where it deserves to be.”
A Holwell Sports statement said: “The club can confirm that we have today accepted the resignation of the first-team management team.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Liam and Miguel for their hard work, commitment and dedication during their time with the club.
“We wish them both every success for the future and thank them for their contribution to the club.”