Yashwa Romeo reflects on Thatcham Town exit
Yashwa Romeo paid tribute to the fans and explained his departure, after he left Thatcham Town by mutual consent last week.
The 43-year-old’s exit was confirmed on Wednesday evening in a post to X, where Romeo thanked the fans for their support and confirmed his exit.
The news comes amid a tumultuous time for the club.
They were relegated to Step 5 last season, finishing third from bottom after a controversial mandatory switch to the Southern League Division One South, which meant long and expensive away days to Devon and Cornwall.
Paul Ayres resigned as chairman shortly afterwards, with Phil Holdaway being named as acting chairman while the search continues for a permanent appointment.
At time of reporting we don’t know if any players have agreed to play for the club next season.
They are also searching for a volunteer football secretary to coordinate fixtures, matchday operations and player administration.
“I was planning and cracking on as normal,” Romeo said.
“Paul was there as chairman and they asked me if I wanted to carry on.
“I did want to, as long as the club wanted to bounce straight back up.
“But there was a changeover and Paul has since resigned.
“We had a meeting and things just kind of changed.
“Something was proposed to me and it just didn’t fit, it didn’t work for me.
“I felt there was a better man out there for the challenge.
“It was an honest conversation.
Romeo was asked what these changes consisted of and was asked whether a potential budget reduction was a factor.
Romeo politely opted not to comment.
The end of an era at Thatcham has given the former gaffer time to reflect on his time with the club.
“There’s a lot of noise going on around the club, but my time at the club has been great,” he said.
“They’ve allowed me to become the manager I am today.
“In the first year we struggled, but we picked things up.
“We had a great season the year before last, and the plan was to push for the playoffs.
“But the FA saw a different path for us, and it’s gone downhill ever since then.”
Romeo was asked what lessons he had learned at Thatcham, as he prepares looks forward to the next step in his managerial career.
“Recruitment is key, you have to get it done early,” he revealed.
“In this day and age a lot of players keep their options open, but you have to get the guys you want.
“In the early stages, we probably didn't have the right forward until October, and that wasn’t through lack of trying.
“You have to pin down a striker and goalie first.
“Last year was a bigger challenge than most. We had three different goalies in the first three months.
“That’s one of my biggest lessons. Get your targets early.”
Romeo signed off by paying tribute to the Thatcham supporters, particularly the young cohort behind the dugout, who backed him and his side all the way despite a difficult campaign last season.
“Even though I’m 43, I’m a big kid!,” he said.
“I love a laugh, and what they did for the club was huge.
“They were brilliant and they always supported me.
“It was tough at the beginning, but everyone jumped on board.
“Those little ‘ultras’ changed the atmosphere.
“Sometimes I couldn't even hear myself shouting!
“As a player, that’s what you do it for.
“I hope Thatcham has that again next season.
“The club needs everybody’s support in these tough times.”
