Club Statement

[therushden]

Again, never thought that would happen. I'm sure he's given it a lot of thought over the last few weeks and now he can have a total break from or all.
Cheers for all the good times.

[TheIncognitoKid]

Maybe after last night he thought he couldn't take the team any further because like already questioned on here, it would have been somewhat of a mistake it was down to results. In his first job as a senior mens team he had done brilliant job gaining promotion in his first season, memorable cup runs and animated celebrations. The team had underperformed during the last few weeks but maybe they were suffering from burn out after a long season.
Good luck Starms in future management

[Bob's Bitch]

I am very surprised by this, even if we had finished this season poorly, a UCL title or at the very least promotion next season was pretty much assured (not trying to sound arrogant). If Mark feels that he can't take the club any further then credit to him for taking this decision, especially since it now gives the club until June/July to appoint a new first-team manager.

He did a fantastic job in the 1st season and to get us promoted last season was no small feat considering we had three very good challengers. I hope he finds another position in football (if that's what he desires) and continues his great career. Although he was seen as grumpy and perhaps dour at times, I thought that it was nice that he saved his big outbursts of emotion for the big moments; Sam's goal against Eynesbury, after the final whistle at Spencer and Alfie's goal against Cambridge. It made all those moments a bit more special.

Good luck in the future Mark!

[Greg]

Shocked at the news, I wish Mark all the best whatever he does. A big thanks for getting Afc underway in such a professional way.

[Olly]

Wow, just came on to get a shock!!

When I saw that he'd gone, I was slightly worried that we'd sacked him (which of course would be undeserved to say the least), so relieved it was his decision, I've wondered in the past how long he'd stick around, but I certainly thought he'd be around for at least a few more seasons, so needless to say I'm very surprised at this news and mixed run of form in the last few months or not, I still felt we were in a good position to improve the squad and push for the title next season with Starms at the helm.

There's been questions over some of his tactics at times and a few potential concerns with outgoing players' comments, and I was thinking after last night that maybe our backroom staff could do with a little additional UCL knowledge from someone new, but I can't say I had a problem with how he was doing really and there's obviously no doubt of the work he's done for the club since it's formation with all the success of the youth and first senior seasons and some of the excellent results in the first half of this season, so much credit has to go to him for that and I thank him for being behind many new wonderful Diamonds memories :)

[Neutral]

I have to say that I'm not surprised and wish Starms all the very best for the future. It's too early to recite his obituary and there would be many positives to write along with his many achievements. However I think his downfall has been not being his own man in these last few months and would probably go even further by saying that his senior players have been dictating team selection and tactics to a large extent.

As I say he has been a tremendous servant to the club and it's such a shame that he couldn't have left on a high.

[Three of Diamonds]

Sorry to see such a great servant to the club leave. You did a fantastic job Starms, thank you. God bless and all the very best wishes for the future.

[bigbruv]

All the best Starms. Gonna miss yer. Bigbruv

[Biggles]

Starms Interview in the ET Today

http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/spo ... -1-5948783

[supersub]

That was a very honest interview, nothing I haven't come to expect. Thanks Starms for everything, you gave us some really good memories! All the best. SS x