Shaun Lee Steps Down From Under-23s Manager Role

The Club can confirm Shaun Lee will be stepping down from his position as Under-23s Manager.

Shaun has been an integral part of our club’s youth development, dedicating his time, passion, and expertise to nurture the talents of our young players coming through from the Under-18s and on to the First Team.

We are immensely proud to highlight that in his first season, Shaun led our Under-23s team to clinch the League Cup in May 2023 against a strong Steyning Town side. A memorable night for his players, coaching staff and Eastbourne Town committee members. He also led them to the Semi-Final of the same competition this season and the Final of the Sussex County FA Challenge Cup.

Shaun said: “Unfortunately, the time has come for me to step down as manager of the under-23s. I have decided to go back to playing while I still can. Someone told me a few years back that I should play while I still can and as much as I have loved coaching, I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss playing.

I joined the club to be a player/coach for the under-23s and in that time I have been very lucky to play 8 first-team games. Whilst playing, I was asked to take charge of the under-23s full-time. In the 40 games I have managed, I’ve seen many players come through from the under-18s, I have seen many players progress into the first team and I have seen some move elsewhere to progress within other first teams which is brilliant for me, my team and the club. In the season I took charge we went on to win the League Cup and to get to the County Cup Final this season, I feel proud of my achievements.

I want to say thank you to Dave Shearing and the committee for this opportunity, thank you to Graham Holman who helped by recommending me to join the club, Tom Cherryman who has been with me from the start, Graeme Mintrim and Mark Standen who were massive to last season’s success. This season, Jamie Buckett, none of this season would have been possible without him, Josh Claxton and Ed Copping for their constant support at home and away games and to all the players I have coached over the last two seasons, thank you, you have all been a pleasure to coach.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to Jude, his management team and the first team squad for their support, you are doing an incredible job and long may it last.”

While we are saddened by Shaun’s departure, we respect his decision and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

As we bid farewell to Shaun Lee and his coaching team, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuing our longstanding commitment to youth development. The recruitment process for a new Under-23s Manager will commence shortly.