After 14 years at Rams and 10 travelling the length and breadth of England; tours within Great Britain and two promotions – immeasurable man and creative hours on branding of OBR, kit and our presence graphically on social media, I have made the decision to stand down as team manager and marketing manager.

Twelve years (and a few days ago) I made one of the easiest and hardest decisions of my life in reaching out to AA.

My sobriety is the single most important thing in my life as without it I’m nothing to my family and friends and me.

I’ve now made a similar decision to look forward rather than back and move onto the next chapter in my and my family’s life together.

The Ramily is an amazing organisation and will only get stronger, better and reach new heights in the coming years.

I will miss interacting with my friends on a day-to-day basis and the opportunity to build on achievements I’ve delivered to the club to achieve this growth, but it’s time for a change and to re-focus on things as I move into my 56th year.

Heidi, Charlie and Mimi you’ve been amazing in allowing me the time and freedom to achieve what I have, but with 30 years of marriage coming up H – let’s look toward to spending a bit more time together. We’ll probably want to throttle each other but let’s give it a go xx!

Sport is all about highs and lows and I’ve lived both with the club and county as a junior coach and matchday manager.

I’ve had the opportunity to stand in the changing room just before kick-off with the boys.
I’m humbled and honoured to have been given this gift, but on the flip side I won’t miss ‘herding the kittens’ and sorting out socks ;).

So, thanks to the players over the last 10-plus seasons who have put their bodies on the line to deliver on the pitch and before that to my junior side and colts (players and coach volunteers) who Charlie and I joined in 2010.

I’d also like to give a shout out to Dani and the Sirens who hold a very place in my heart.

I could honestly go on and on thanking and acknowledging past and present members of our team and the wider club – but special best wishes go to our amazing media team of Rich, Nigel, Paul, Tim and Charlie – who deliver some of the best content in any league.

Coaches, medical and S&C past and present especially Vicki, Sara, Craig, Katie, Jane, Megan, Owen, Danny, Harry, Joe, Daryl, Sally and Glyn who’ve helped/assisted and supported me in my role.

Seb you do get a mention later ;) but I’ll especially miss our Wednesday/Thursday phone calls finalising the teams before the WhatsApps go out.

Our hospitality staff, chefs and managers especially Hannah, Matt, Tor and Steve. Brendan for being Brendan!

Our amazing Friday Club volunteers, ball boys and girls and irrigation and groundstaff peeps.

Two people who in my opinion are two of our biggest unsung heroes, Janette Tichband and Rob Dyer bless you both!

Thanks also to Bob K for your kit man duties on away games and Ash for my hearing loss in the dugout.

Mike T for narrowly missing my head with a water bottle at Barnes during a ‘Ferguson-style’ half-time chat and Spike H for being um Spike ;)

And the first name on the team sheet Alan for your unstinting help in making me look good with our travel times and support on match days. Also, KFC for the heartburn, food babies and grease stains.

Finally, a massive thanks to our board for all the volunteering and unheralded work you do over and above what is seen by our fans and members – and last but not least a personal and heartfelt thank you to Cath, Gary, Seb, Ian and Andy for your friendship, solidarity, smiles, hugs, support and love during the last 14 years.

Love and best wishes to everyone I’ve met on my journey so far at Rams and apologies if I’ve missed anyone out.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the other side of the advertising hoardings.

Thanks,
Matt ‘Flag Dude’ Maxwell xxx