Cheltenham Civil Service have announced the departure of manager Lawrence Martin after a challenging 2024/25 season that ended with the club’s relegation from the Gloucestershire County League.
Martin, who previously coached Cheltenham Saracens Development, took charge last summer and inherited a largely new squad, with only one player retained from the previous season. Despite his efforts to rebuild and professional attitude, the team finished second to last, sealing their drop down to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
In an official statement, the club acknowledged Martin’s hard work and professionalism: “Lawrence did a great job in terms of bringing in a whole new squad when he took over the role at the start of the season with just one player remaining from the previous year. He worked hard to make it a success and has conducted himself in a professional manner, but unfortunately the results weren’t forthcoming.”
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With relegation confirmed, Cheltenham Civil Service are now seeking a new management team to lead a squad capable of competing effectively in the Northern Senior League.
In other club news, reserve team manager Roger Williams has stepped down and been replaced by former player Stuart Midwinter. The reserves endured a similarly difficult season, finishing 15th of 16 in Northern Senior League Division Two, which means they will compete in the Cheltenham Football League for the 2025/26 season.