“You have to be 100% committed” – Rawlins discusses toughest decision he has ever made and Sofab Sports expansion
Dale Rawlins says that stepping down as manager of Longlevens Reserves was the toughest decision he has ever had to make, but is looking forward to expanding Sofab Sports.
Rawlins announced his departure at the club’s presentation evening over the May Bank Holiday, with Longlevens advertising the vacancy on social media last week and now Rawlins has spoken to Severn Sport about his decision to step down, with his business set for a crucial 12 months.
“Leaving football management has been by far the toughest decision I have had to make,” said Rawlins.
“After 9 years of it, sadly due to the expansion and continued growth of the business right now I need to be able to dedicate time to the business, when and where it is needed with no blockages.
People who have managed sides will know it’s not possible to miss the odd game when you are the one in charge and let the side down – you have to be 100% committed and sadly next season I’m not able to do that,” added Rawlins.
Rawlins took his Levens Reserves side to a runners-up finish in GNSL Division One last season and whilst he is stepping down as Manager, he intends to stay involved with the club and has praised both the club and his players for their support and commitment to him over the last five years.
“I’m leaving behind a group of players that I think the best word to describe them would be loyal. They are a great bunch on and off the pitch and for sure friends for life.
Whoever comes in and takes the job, I’m sure will get the same effort and commitment they have shown me over the last few years.
I will still be around the local football set up, when I can be, watching and supporting the lads who have served me over my management run.
And when needed and time allows, I will also still hopefully be helping out at Longlevens in some capacity off the field, as you can’t just leave that football club – it’s a family and one I owe a lot to for the great five years I’ve been a part of it,” said Rawlins.
As mentioned, Rawlins’ business – Sofab Sports, is expanding rapidly and is set to open a new permanent location in Bristol, as well as moving to a new and bigger warehouse to operate from.
Plus, Sofab Sports will continue to be our broadcast sponsor for the 2024/25 season – after sponsoring our breakfast show and commentaries for the last season!
And Rawlins has hinted on even more to come for Sofab Sports on the horizon.
“We have some big things going at Sofab Sports over the next few months,” said Rawlins.
“We have just got our key to our new warehouse, which enables us to step on another level. We also have some more exciting news we are hoping to be able to share soon which people can keep an eye on our socials for.
The expansion is great considering the current economic climate – we are still able to grow and take on new challenges and continue providing our customers with great products at even greater prices!
I think this year will be a ‘watch this space’ year for us, with so much going on and our continued partnership with Severn Sport will allow us to keep serving the local football community with a discount on our site – which is also having a revamp over the next couple of months,” Rawlins added.
Following the news of the sponsorship renewal, Butler added the below:
“Severn Sport and Sofab Sports linked up last season and the sponsorship allowed us to take our broadcasts to the next level, to be able to advertise a discount code designed for supporters of Severn Sport and local football.
By having a sponsorship in place with a company who share similar values to what Severn Sport stands for is amazing and last season saw us do more breakfast shows than any other season (22) and also 12 commentaries, with people now requesting a chance to co-commentate with me, it’s been insane!
When Dale told me about the expansion, the renewal was confirmed instantly. We will be delighted to continue to advertise and endorse Sofab Sports as they continue to not only expand, but make a huge difference to local people and the community.”
Cover photo courtesy of Longlevens AFC
