[Devongone]

It has today been announced that Mark Smith will be leaving his role as academy manager at the end of the month.

Mark, who has spent five years at the club, has decided to explore other options in the game.

Director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: “Mark has done an excellent job during his time with us, helping to develop a number of youngsters who have progressed to the first team.

“Mark has decided that the time is right to move on. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Mark for his valued efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.”

My question; why does everyone leave in a hurry? He's off in twelve days after doing a decent job for five years. Which hand did he have in which cookie jar, that DA wanted his own hand to be in? Not only do we always succeed in making all these things look dodgy, but also we look as though we've no idea what's happening one day to the next! If the guy has got a great job offer this week then say so. If he's been caught with his fingers inside the centre forward's shorts then at least refer to an unspecified problem. FFS!

[Dancingwilldoit]

Mark Smith has been good for our youngsters no doubt. Never known why but our youth structure has never seemed right. Mark Smith is/was academy manager but llera is the "Professional Development Phase lead coach" whatever that is. The budget is bound to be hacked for our youth teams this year but it least we are keeping it on.
There will be trimming all round so lets just hope that not only does AC have his wings clipped but the gag gets tightened until the blood flow stops.