The club can confirm the departure of coach Michael Meaker.
‘Meaks’ has enjoyed two successful spells with the Peacocks but with increased demands on his time due to the expansion of his football academy he has now decided to step down from the management team. He first linked up with the club in 2015 following a long playing career in both the professional and non-league game, starting off as a youth player at Queens Park Rangers where he played in the FA Premier League before going on to represent a number of League clubs including Reading and Bristol Rovers. He joined the Peacocks as player coach in the summer of 2015 but was soon appointed assistant manager to Leigh Robinson who he helped guide to the Southern League West Division title in 2018. After departing for Truro City later that year, Meaker returned to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in August 2019, since when he has helped the team win the Southern League Premier South title and elevation to the National League.
Meaks remarked:” This was a very hard decision for me to make. The club has been a big part of my life in recent years, but the time commitment needed at National League level is massive and with my increased work and family demands it was the most sensible thing to do. I am grateful for what the club has done for me over the past eight years, I’ve had an amazing time and I’m going to miss the lads like mad, everyone behind the scenes and the fans who have all been absolutely brilliant. I’ve left on a high with the club in the National League and I have no doubt they will be pushing further up the table in future seasons.”
Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” We totally understand Meaks’ reason for stepping away with his extra commitments, this league demands a lot of time and with a young family also it makes it very difficult. He was a big part of our recent success, and we wish him well.”
Chairman Kevin Sturmey concluded:” Meaks has played a major part in the journey we have been on over the past eight years or so. We have enjoyed great success with him involved in the management team and he will always be a part of that history. I would like to thank him for all his hard work over the past few years and wish him the best of luck for the future. We look forward to seeing him at the Cygnet when time allows.”