Why, what a success

Golds will be in the London & South East League next season after winning the South East Counties League Premier Division title with 21 wins from their 22 league games. And, they also lifted the South East Counties League Cup with victory over Lloyds, 6-2, at Horley last season.

Kev has been manager since the club was founded as Arun four years ago. They merged with Littlehampton Town before the 2004-05 season and have played under that name ever since. They added a reserves side for the start of the 2006-07 campaign.

Jan said: "We set up Arun because what we found was the older girls didn't have anywhere to go when they finished girls' football. They all went off to play in Worthing or Brighton so we decided to set up a team.

"We had an under-15 team running already, Arundel Devils, and that was the basis for the club. We then got players from other clubs who didn't have ladies' teams. We started as Arun, playing at Wick, but moved to Littlehampton the following season and played under their name."

Jan was the club secretary and played for the first-team and then the reserves with daughter Lauren last season.

In the club's first year, 2003-04, Kev guided Arun to the South East Counties League Division 3 South title, with 17 wins from 18 games, and the Sussex Cup, with a 2-1 success over Brighton & Hove Albion in the final. Golds were promoted in second place from Division 2 the following season before coming fifth in their first season in the Premier Division.

Jan said: "Every season has gone quite well but last season was outstanding. It's fantastic to now be in the London League.

"Highlights? I don't think I can pinpoint just one. Playing in the same team as my daughter, Lauren, the last two years has been really good fun. And, with the reserves last year, I got to play 90 minutes more so enjoyed that.

"The girls also did a do for us at the end of the season, which was really sweet. I'll keep in contact with them."

Kev, who holds an FA and UEFA coaching class B licence, added: "My highlight was last season. My aim at the start was to get the team in to the Premier. Then we got there, and in our second season up there, won the league undefeated and won the League Cup as well. And we played football the right way, too."

During the club's four-year existence, two of their players have gone on to Premier League side's academies. Midfielder Kylie Wren joined the Arsenal Academy and she later played for Watford before returning to Littlehampton halfway through last season. And during last year, left-winger Sara Hinton was accepted into the Chelsea Academy.

Kev said: "Kylie had a good spell at Arsenal before she went to Watford and then came back to us because of the travelling. Sara is a fantastic little player who has an amazing attitiude.

"We also had Kim Stenning, who went to an academy in America and has been out there for two years.

"I'm also amazed that no one has picked Charlotte Bennett up. She could play at a higher level team and is one of the best lower division players I have seen."

On Littlehampton's prospects next season, Kev said: "It's going to be a totally different league '” it will be a lot quicker. And the players will be a lot fitter and then there's the physical side as well. The defence is where we'll have to be strong."

Last season, Kev also helped out Littlehampton FC boss Trevor Waller with the men's team. He said: "I loved the chance to coach at a senior team. I loved the fact that I had a chance with a County One side and I've always wanted to do that."

On the future in Australia Kev said: "Hopefully, I'll get with a high standard team out there. That's what I'm aiming for.

"I'll just go over there, put my name about, and see what happens."

Finally, Kev said: "We'd just like to thank everyone for all their support when we were running the team. I'd also like to thank Trevor Waller for giving me the chance with the men's side."

Kev and Jan are heading to Australia with children Lauren, 19, Sarah, 17, and Callum, 10.

Littlehampton Football Club's players and managers were quick to thank Kev and Jan Why for everything they did for the club.

Captain Charlotte Bennett said: "Jan is basically the Littlehampton lady. The club wouldn't have run without her. Now she is going, it's taken two or three people to do all her jobs.

"She did an awful lot that no one realised. Whenever there was a problem, Jan always knew the answer. It's a great loss to the club that she is going.

"Kev's been great. All the girls have a lot of respect for him. He's put in so much to the club and supported each girl along the way.

"Every girl would like to say a big thank you to them."

Emma Biffi, reserves manager of Littlehampton Ladies', said: "Jan and Kev have been amazing '” the backbone of the club.

"I did a speech at the club's end-of-season presentation evening and just thanked Kev for all the help and advice he has given me. And Jan was always on the end of her phone when you needed her.

"They will be greatly missed."

Trevor Waller, manager of Golds' men's team, said: "They've done a lot for Littlehampton. Jan worked really hard behind the scenes and Kev has done very well.

"I gave him the opportunity to coach a senior side and he did really well for us.

"Their whole family are good people. We will all miss them but wish them all the best."

Jamie Bourne who is taking over from Kev as Littlehampton Ladies manager, said: "We're definitely going to miss them.

"Kev's always provided me with insight and expertise on how to be a good manager and coach. I've got big boots to fill and hope I can follow in his footsteps."