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Farewell message from Matt Carruthers

Hi everyone,

It is time to bid my farewell and have this time to thank you all for the fantastic 18 months I’ve worked at Christchurch United Football Club. My partner has recently accepted a job in Auckland and thus we will be starting a new chapter in the North Island.

It has been an absolute pleasure interacting with you as parents, players, Team Managers, Coaches, and supporters of Christchurch United. The passion and commitment that you have for the football club is not only distinct, but it’s also the predominant factor as to why I believe Christchurch United will continue to push forward with its impressive vision.

Undoubtedly, the heart and soul of Christchurch United are the many devoted, enthusiastic, and fervent Coaches the football club is lucky to possess.

I joined the club as Marketing Manager, before stepping into additional Sporting Director and Academy Coordinator roles, while numerous highlights of my time at the football club were during moments of coaching the U13, U14, and U17 Academy teams.

Having previous coaching experience in the UK, I can say wholeheartedly that there is something special in regard to the Christchurch United camaraderie which our young players display in abundance. I feel blessed to have worked with such talented and respectful players.

Acting as Assistant Coach and Player Liaison Officer for First Team Head Coach, Danny Halligan, I have full confidence that there is a strong pathway for our Academy graduates into Senior football at Christchurch United. I’d like to thank Danny for his mentoring and renowned attention to detail — I feel that I have flourished under his guidance and will take this into my next role.

Speaking of my next role, while I still need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, it is very likely that you will not have seen the last of me yet. Heading up to Auckland, there is an abundance of opportunities within the football landscape and this is the environment which I’ll remain working in.

My final day at Christchurch United is February 18th. With my departure announcement already circulating, I have received numerous heartfelt messages, cards, and phone calls of which I’ll take with me throughout my move to Auckland and beyond.

I hope to see as many of you as possible before I head off, therefore I’ll be present at the CFC during next week’s Monday and Tuesday training times — I’ll either be in the office or pitch side having one last look at ‘our’ Christchurch United stars.

Many thanks,

Matt Carruthers