Stephen Howson has announced he is stepping down as First Team Manager of Stretford Paddock after “six incredible years”, handing over control of the first team to assistant coach Ryan Gibson.
Ste will move ‘upstairs’ to fill the vacant Director of Football position, formerly occupied by Ashley Williams (former Wales international, Swansea City captain, BBC Final Score pundit, Head’s Gone podcast), allowing him to continue the Paddock FC project and build the community legacy whilst accommodating other projects.
In a statement on his Instagram page, Ste said:
“After six incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as First Team Manager of Stretford Paddock FC. This wasn’t an easy decision. Paddock has been a huge part of my life for a long time, and anyone close to me knows just how much time, energy and emotion has gone into trying to build something we’re all proud of. The good news is I’m not going anywhere.
I’ll be moving into a Director of Football role, where I’ll be focusing on helping develop our young players, supporting the women’s team, and continuing the search for a permanent home for the football club. Those are the areas where I think I can make the biggest difference over the next few years.
The first team now needs someone with fresh energy and complete focus. That person is Ryan. He was our Coach of the Year last season, he’s done a brilliant job throughout the youth setup, and he was an outstanding assistant to me. Progression shouldn’t just exist for players, and Ryan has earned this opportunity. I genuinely believe he’ll do a fantastic job, and I hope everyone gets right behind him.
To every player who’s worn the shirt for me, every member of staff who’s volunteered countless hours, and every supporter who’s stood behind us home and away – thank you. Managing this football club has given me some incredible memories that I’ll never forget.
Personally, this also feels like the right time for me. There are a few opportunities and challenges ahead that need my full attention, and after six years of living and breathing the first team, it feels like the right moment to hand the reins over while continuing to help the club in a different way.
I’ll still be around. I’ll still care just as much. I’ll still be doing everything I can to help Stretford Paddock move forward. Just from a different seat. Good luck to Ryan, the staff and the lads for the season ahead. Up the Paddock”
Fans of Ste will have seen his hectic working schedule to date: Paddock FC, working on the Stretford Paddock fan channel, his football, interview podcast, and IRL channels on Youtube, his involvement in Rio Ferdinand’s weekly podcast alongside Joel Beya, his fitness efforts, and more recently media engagement with the British Army given his past service in the forces. All of that whilst having a family you want to see too. It’s a tall order.
Everyone at Stretford Paddock FC would like to thank Ste for all his hard work to date, but the graft doesn’t stop here. Whether it’s as players, fans or staff, it’s on us all to make a long-term success of our 100% fan owned football club. Lets make it happen. UTFP.
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