Wokingham & Emmbrook are today searching for a new First Team manager following the departure of Eliot Whitehouse who tendered his resignation following the 2-0 Lowther Road defeat to Flackwell Heath in the Combined Counties League on Tuesday night.
The Sumas are winless following their opening six matches in all competitions this season but it is a measure of affable Whitehouse’s popularity that the dressing room rang out with appreciative applause when he informed his players of his decision post-match and he leaves the club on good terms.
Whitehouse was appointed just over one year ago following the decision of Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston to step down, with the brief of keeping the Sumas at Step 5. This target was achieved with relative comfort ahead of the final games of the Combined Counties League season.
It is understood that outside pressures of work have influenced business owner Eliot in his decision.
Football in Berkshire wishes likeable Eliot the very best both in the short term and we hope to see him back in football in the longer term.
Official Statement from Wokingham & Emmbrook
Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Eliot Whitehouse as first team manager.
Whitehouse was at the helm of the Combined Counties Premier Division North side since August 2021, and he took the difficult decision to step down due to increasing work and personal commitments.
Dan Bateman, the club’s Director of Football, said: “Throughout his time with the Sumas, Eliot worked extremely hard on and off the pitch, and did so with passion and with his infectious personality shining through.”
Whitehouse and his team obtained the club’s primary objective last season by retaining its Step 5 status and staying in the Combined Counties League Premier North Division.
First team coach Sam Wilson has also stepped down to concentrate on his other coaching roles.
Whitehouse said: “I’d like to thank the club for giving me my first management opportunity, and to the players for giving every ounce of energy.”
Bateman added that everyone connected with Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club would like to thank Eliot and Sam for everything they have done for the club.
The club is now working on a process to appoint Eliot’s successor. Ian Narraway and Jamie Shepherd will handle first team affairs in the interim period.
