Smith hoping 2024/25 is season “lucky number 7” after deciding to stay at Tredworth Tigers
Lee Smith has decided to stay at Tredworth Tigers for a seventh season in charge, after a change of heart on offers elsewhere.
Smith announced on social media that despite having offers from sides in the Hellenic League Division One and Gloucestershire County League, he had decided to remain with a Tredworth side he has been Co-Manager of, alongside Adam Dix, for the last six seasons.
“I’ve always been honest with my ambitions as a Manager and there were a couple of jobs that interested me,” Smith admitted.
“But sometimes things don’t happen as you planned and that is what football is all about. Expect the unexpected.
I am in no rush to go up the leagues as a Manager and I have to be honest with myself, I am 40 years old and I won’t have many years left playing in me.
I scored 35 goals last season and the desire to play [as well as manage] is still there and Tredworth allows me to do that.
Here at Tredworth, I am comfortable, but I am happy. Adam and I have worked so hard to build what we have – so I’m already pleased with my decision,” Smith added.
During his time at Tredworth, Smith has helped take the Tigers from the Stroud League through to the top end of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One table – with Tredworth still in the hunt for the title on the final day of the season.
And following a good season, Smith was linked to a number of jobs that had become available at the end of the campaign.
If social media is to be believed, Smith was linked with jobs at Brimscombe & Thrupp, Cirencester Town, Stonehouse Town, Newent Town and Gala Wilton, amongst others and Smith admits he did come close to taking a Hellenic League job.
“I had a couple of meetings and it looked like it was happening, to be honest,” said Smith. “However, the Management team I would have looked to put together fell through and doubt start to creep in.
I took a step back and weighed it all up. As I said, I’m happy at Tredworth and whilst I would like to manage higher, it will have to be at the right place and at the right time.
Then with the travelling you have to do in Hellenic Div One, in particular, this isn’t the right time for me to make that move.
But now, both Dixy [Adam Dix] and I are looking at taking Tredworth to that next level. We know that it looks like we will need to replace some players, who will move on elsewhere, and the likes of Dave Rich retiring, so that is our main focus now,” Smith added.
Tredworth will be looking to put together another title bid in the 2024/25 season and Smith hopes his lucky number could be an omen, whilst acknowledging the quality of the opposition continues to increase.
“This season will be my seventh [at Tredworth] and hopefully my lucky number 7 can work for us! We know we aren’t a million miles away, so will give it a good go again.
But even with Chalford going up, the league is still very strong. Whaddon are a very good side and they won’t be there to make up the numbers – we have been in that position ourselves so they will be a tough side.
I also reckon Brockworth, Dursley and Longlevens will improve – even though they were all good this season.
It makes for an exciting season and I can’t wait to get it started!” Smith said.
