JAKE ASH AND ADAM FLETCHER TO STEP DOWN AT END OF SEASON
Mousehole AFC can confirm that First Team Manager Jake Ash and Director of Football Adam Fletcher will step down from their roles at the end of the current season.
After several demanding seasons building and sustaining a team competing at this level of the game, Jake and Adam feel the time is right to pause and reflect on what has been achieved over a significant period.
Jake and Adam made the decision some time ago that the end of the season would be the right moment to step down, and have since informed the board of their intention, which the club has, reluctantly, accepted.
While the original plan had been to keep this private until the end of the campaign, it is felt that making the decision public now provides clarity and allows the club to begin planning for the future, while maintaining full focus on the challenge of retaining our Southern League status.
Jake has led the Seagulls for seven seasons, while Adam has played a central role in the club’s football operations for eight years. Together, they have overseen one of the most successful and transformative periods in Mousehole AFC’s history.
Their tenure has seen the club grow both on and off the pitch, guiding the Seagulls through promotions, memorable cup runs, and the continued development of a strong footballing identity that has helped establish Mousehole as a respected presence in the Southern League.
Throughout their time at the club, Jake and Adam have helped establish an environment built on high standards – one that has been relentless in its pursuit of improvement, respectful in its values, and reflective in its approach – leaving a lasting impact on players, staff and supporters alike.
Mousehole AFC Chair Deryk Heywood said:
“Between them, Jake and Adam have given everything to Mousehole over a long period of time, and we’re incredibly grateful for what they’ve achieved.
Jake’s seven years have been nothing short of remarkable. The commitment he’s shown, alongside a full-time teaching job, is something I’ve never seen before. People see the 90 minutes on a Saturday, but the work behind the scenes is relentless – the preparation, the travel, the hours he’s put in to get us where we are. Over 300 games, promotions, winning the Western League and reaching the Southern League playoffs – it’s put Mousehole on the map and given us memories I’ll never forget. Now it’s time for him to enjoy some well-earned time with his family, who’ve all been right behind him.
Adam has been just as important in his own way. I can remember him being born, and to see what he’s become at this football club has been special. He’s a real football person with a brilliant eye for detail and creativity. Whether it was the look of the kit, the feel of the dressing room, or those little touches that make players feel valued, Adam was exceptional. It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference, and he understood that better than anyone. His energy and enthusiasm lifted everyone around him.
A football club is about people driving each other on, and both Jake and Adam have done that brilliantly. We’ll miss them both, but we wish Jake, Melissa and the girls, and Adam, Tegan, Stan and all their families, the very best for the future. They’ll always be welcome at Mousehole, and they’ll always be a big part of what this club has become.”
Manager Jake Ash said:
It has been an incredible honour to manage this football club for the past seven seasons.
From the moment I was given the opportunity, I knew it was a special place and together we have created memories and achieved things that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built – not just on the pitch in terms of promotions and players progressing, but in how we’ve relentlessly tried to drive the whole club forward, creating an identity and an environment that has allowed people to thrive.
But all of that comes at a cost, and the truth is my battery is empty. I can see it and feel it, and I know I can’t be what I want to be while the energy to be wholly relentless isn’t there. For this amazing club to keep moving forward, it deserves someone who can.
This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it is one that was made some time ago, to step aside at the end of the season. The intention was to keep this in-house until then, but as is often the case in football, word begins to spread. I wanted the people who matter to hear it from me, and not from someone else.
There is still work to be done between now and the end of the season, and I remain fully focused on finishing as strongly as we can. Myself and the staff are totally and utterly committed to this group and to this football club, and our full focus is on ensuring we finish the season strongly.
The journey isn’t quite over yet.
Director of Football Adam Fletcher said:
My eight years at the Mousehole AFC have meant far more to me than just the football.
Together we have shared some incredible moments, three promotions, Western League champions and some unforgettable trips in the Algarve that strengthened our team and made memories for life. One of my biggest highlights was watching Kev’s “Champions” video as a group before heading off for an afternoon at Julia’s on the beach to celebrate our success.
As much as the results mean so much to us all, it’s the people that have made it so special. The staff, players, volunteer, board members and supporters are the heart of the club and have all had a huge impact on my time here. Some of whom started as strangers and became lifelong friends.
Mousehole has given me some of the best days of my life. I have given everything I could to the club in my time, and I hope that showed in everything that the club achieved together.
Now it’s time for a new chapter for the Mousehole, and some time away from working in football for me.
No doubt I will continue to support the club in any way I can and I look forward to seeing all of you next season, cheering you on from the sidelines as a supporter.
Everyone at Mousehole AFC would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jake and Adam for their extraordinary commitment to the club. Their leadership, professionalism andpassion have played a huge role in shaping the modern era of the Seagulls.
With several important matches still to come before the end of the season, Jake and Adam will continue to lead the team as we look to finish the campaign strongly.
Further updates regarding the club’s football structure for next season will be announced in due course
