Miller steps down as Roffey manager

Julian Miller has stepped down as Roffey manager after just under three years at the helm of the Bartholomew Way side.
Roffey v Rustington. Julian Miller - Roffey Manager. Pic Steve Robards SR1525780 SUS-151031-211353001Roffey v Rustington. Julian Miller - Roffey Manager. Pic Steve Robards SR1525780 SUS-151031-211353001
Roffey v Rustington. Julian Miller - Roffey Manager. Pic Steve Robards SR1525780 SUS-151031-211353001

Despite a second-placed finished in Division 2 of the Southern Combination League last season, they were denied promotion on ground grading issues.

In 30 matches played they won 20, drew four and lost six and conceded just 37 goals which gave them the second biggest goal difference of 64.

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Their points tally, which was also 64, was six short of top of the table AFC Varndeanians.

Julian Miller SUS-150425-172955008Julian Miller SUS-150425-172955008
Julian Miller SUS-150425-172955008

However despite a great campaign on the pitch, they did not have the necessary ground grading required to go into Division 1.

Speaking before the news on his decision to step down, Miller said: “The season’s been a good one, we have come second to Varndeanians who deserved to win it.

“The planning applications for floodlights, hard standing around the pitch and a car park are in but were too late to allow us to be promoted; the deadline was March 31.

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“It’s disappointing but the club worked hard to put this in place, and it’s not far off it. The project hit snags, we came close but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s not the first time a team has not been able to go up when finishing in the promotion places, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

“We’re progressing on the playing side and had a successful campaign, finishing second. We’ve scored over 100 league goals, which is not bad in 30 games.”

Miller praised prolific striker Devon Fender, who was the league’s topscorer in all divisions.

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He said: “Devon has been brilliant - he has scored an incredible 55 goals (47 in league and eight in cup matches) in 36 games.

“But the whole team has done well, despite having a small squad. In fact we have only used 18 players throughout the year, so it’s been quite limited.

“Devon was incredible for us, playing every minute of every game.

“But others have done well too and my players of the year were wingers Ben Chowney and Gavin Fowler, while Harri Nourse was young player of the year.”

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