After nine straight losses in the league and cup, relegation-threatened Franklin United are making changes to their senior men’s coaching staff.
Mark Holt (38) is leaving the South Auckland club after more than four years as their head of football and having coached their first team to last season’s Lotto NRFL Northern Conference title, and promotion to this season’s Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship.
Main photo: Mark Holt … leaving Franklin United. Photo: Ben Campbell / Phototek.
For recent games, Franklin United have named former Manukau United coach Tashreeq Davids on their team sheet, as head coach.
The club is bottom of the Championship after eight rounds, with no league points and having conceded 38 goals, and were knocked out of the Chatham Cup in their latest outing.
In a social media posting this week, the club said: “The winds of change are blowing through the Franklin United men’s space and now’s the time to signal your interest in being part of it.
“We’re calling for expressions of interest for several paid positions becoming available as we transition into a new phase.”
The club lists five positions: first team assistant coach, U-23s head coach, U-23s assistant coach, squad manager and kit manager.
The club invites enquiries to operations@franklinunited.nz.
Thanking Holt for his contribution to the club, United told social media followers: “Mark Holt has been instrumental in the growth and success of Franklin United.
“Becoming head of football in 2021, Mark was key in shaping the youth pathway, including doubling team numbers, turning the holiday camps into true football experiences and introducing baller camps.
“His dedication to the men’s squad continued, culminating in a stellar 2023 season with an NRFL Championship promotion, and stepping back in this season at short notice to assist between head coach transition.
“He has facilitated a strong coaching base from which we will continue to grow as we provide a strong pathway for local talent. He’s consistently taken on more than his job description mandated with outstanding results.
“Everyone in the Franklin family wishes Mark all the best for his future as he moves on to pursue other opportunities.
“Some of those will be in the local area so we are glad our local players can still benefit from Mark’s coaching expertise.”
After winning promotion last season, United announced Paul Day and Mike Day would be first team coaches for 2024.
READ MORE: Promoted Franklin United appoint new coaches for NRFL Championship season >>>>
However, by the start of the new season, Holt was back in the dugout, until the arrival of Tashreeq Davids from Manukau.
Davids was appointed head coach of Manukau United after their relegation from the Northern League to the NRFL Men’s Championship.
In February 2024, he said his aim was to steer Manukau United straight back to the Northern League.
READ MORE: Manukau United keen to bounce back in Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship >>>>
Instead, Manukau started the season in late March with Gordon Paulsen as their head coach.
Meanwhile, Franklin United face a big challenge in the next game when they host high-flying Ngaruawahia United at Bledisloe Park on Saturday May 18.
Franklin were knocked out of the Chatham Cup last weekend, losing 3-1 at NRFL Southern Conference side Taupo.
Ngaruawahia United comfortably beat University of Auckland 5-2 to go into the second round of the cup.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday May 18, 2024
Franklin United v Ngaruawahia United
Bledisloe Park, Pukekohe, 5pm
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