Deal Town boss Derek Hares speaks about decision to retire after nearly 20 years as the club's first-team manager

Derek Hares says his Deal Town departure after nearly 20 years as first-team manager will leave a big hole in his life.

Hares’ retirement from his role with the Southern Counties East Premier Division club was announced on Sunday, with the club having finished fourth last season.

The 72-year-old took charge of Deal’s first-team in 2003 before he resigned 10 years later but, after a stint as chairman, he returned to the hot-seat in 2015.

“It’s a bit raw for everyone at the moment,” he said.

“But I have got great memories and I have made a lot of good friends. It’s going to leave a big hole.

“I feel quite proud but it’s never been about me, really. I just really want the club to survive.

“They’re some times I will never forget. It’s still pretty raw and I’m a bit emotional but I have made the decision.

“Thankfully it [the club] is in a good position and, hopefully, it can push on further.”

Hares decided to retire last Friday and didn’t take to the touchline for Deal’s opening pre-season friendly which they lost 6-2 to Charlton under-23s, with recent arrival Riley Alford - on his debut - and Rene Rivera getting their goals.

He revealed: “I didn’t go to the game Saturday, I made the decision Friday night.

“I didn’t think it would be right to do that [take to the touchline before the announcement].

“The easy decision would have been not to leave but I thought that would have been the wrong thing to do.”

When asked how long he had been thinking about making the decision, Hares replied: “Only a few weeks, really.

“We went back for pre-season training and I just thought it was the right time for a change. It’s going to leave a big hole in my life, but I have made the decision.

“Hopefully it’s the right one for the club and the