Beaminster boss Neil Holt quits after one season

Holt’s side finished 11th and bottom of the Dorset Senior League in the 2022/23 season and could drop into Dorset League Division One for 23/24 when Dorset FA allocations are announced.

However, following talks with the Rainbows’ committee after the club's AGM, Holt has decided to leave the Memorial Ground.

Speaking exclusively to the Bridport News, Holt cited a lack of player commitment as a major factor in his decision.

READ MORE: Beaminster wait on league fate after Upwey loss

He said: “The committee wanted me to stay but there were a few players there that sort of said that we got relegated, we should be looking at someone else.

“Obviously, myself and the committee argued the point that there was no commitment from anybody, especially with me having to name myself seven times on the teamsheet.

“I wouldn’t say there’s many issues but obviously we need to raise money because it’s a lot to enter the league each year.

“None of the young lads want to know and it’s just going a bit pear-shaped. So, I said I’d step away if that’s how the players feel.”

He added: “A classic example was when we beat Upwey 7-1 and then we needed a point to stay up.

“We go to Bournemouth Electric the week after and we’ve only got 14 players, myself included, and we’ve had to draft in players that wouldn’t normally play.

“It’s things like that. I’ve had a real struggle this year. I plan all the training sessions so a lot of my time and effort is taken up with the club.

“I didn’t want to put myself through it again, to be quite honest.”

But Holt reflects fondly on his time at Beaminster, adding: “It’s a great club, very well run and there’s a lot of ability and potential there.

“It’s the players that need to step up, accept responsibility and they will go places. It’s a big club.

“The committee are absolutely brilliant and backed me with everything I did.”

Holt is understood to be in talks with another club in west Dorset.