Chairman Iain McInnes told his club’s website: “In late November Mark Molesley accepted the challenge of guiding the club through a difficult period till the end of the season. We are all very grateful for the contribution he and his staff have made culminating in a relatively comfortable retention of our Premier Division South status. ’Job done’ and time to move on as they say.
“Mark’s appointment was the result of a ‘let’s have a chat’ lunch which almost flowed into dinner all on the same thread….football what else. It became apparent to me that the ’safe pair of hands’ needed was across the table albeit in a ‘wounded’ state and somewhat disenchanted with football. Was there a challenge here that would serve both purposes….. the answer as they say is now history.
“Personally I’ve found Mark a coaching tour de force respectful manager and principled bloke - a class act.”
The 42-year-old former AFC Bournemouth and Exeter City midfielder was sacked by Vanarama National League side Aldershot Town in October 2022 immediately after their 2-0 defeat by National League South outfit Chelmsford City in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
That ended a thirteen-month stay at the Shots and with it his first job since leaving Southend United in April 2021, after a move from Weymouth the previous summer.
Molesley said: “When I first met the chairman back in late November, we spoke at length about football, family and where we were both at in our lives.
“Immediately we struck up a relationship and at a time where I was ready to take a break from football he had quickly reversed my feelings.
“As director of football, I was specifically tasked to help the club out of the relegation zone and retain its league status, along with helping strategically plan for the future.
“With that in mind we have both decided on the delivery of that next phase, and what that looks like both on and off the pitch.
“My short-term contract has come to an end, and I am happy to leave the club heading towards a more self-sufficient, progressive football club at the heart of its community.
“With mission accomplished in a very challenging season I’m left to wish everyone all the very best in the future, but can’t go without a special mention to all of the volunteers and staff at the club for their unwavering support, and thank the club’s fans for their magnificent support”.
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