Paul Dee Steps down as Manly United coach

Manly United first grade coach Paul Dee has stepped down from his position of Head Coach after spending six years as the Manly United Head Coach.

Paul will take control for Friday night’s clash against Sydney Olympic before stepping down from the position.

Dee has been a tremendous asset to Manly United as an assistant coach and then head coach of the first grade side and made the decision to make 2020 his last season in charge but has decided to bring his departure forward to allow Manly United to prepare for 2021 and beyond.

“This is a tough decision for me but I love this club and I think this is what’s best for Manly United,” Dee said. “I love coaching here but I had decided that this would be my last year and I am a firm believer in the club should always come first so I think the best thing is to step aside now so the club can properly prepare for the future.

“We have a lot of good young coaches coming through who deserve a chance and I think the time is right to step aside and clear that pathway, which should be in place for coaches as well as players.

“Manly United is an incredible club and heading in the right direction and I am proud to say I was head coach for 6 years. I’d like to thank the Board and staff for their support over the years but I’d especially like to thank the players and coaching staff for helping me create an atmosphere and environment that was so enjoyable and I’m sure will continue long into the future.”

Both Paul and Manly United wish to keep the popular coach involved within the club next season and beyond.

“First and foremost Paul Dee is a tremendous person and has been an integral part of shaping the club and the senior team into what it is today,” said Manly United CEO David Mason. “A football club is only as strong as its people and Paul will always be remembered in a positive light for his achievements with the senior squad both on and off the field.

“Paul has been integral in providing an environment where people come to this club and remain with this club because it is a professional, enjoyable place to play their football. We look forward to working together to ensure Paul remains a positive contributor to the football club.”

Manly United has appointed current Assistant Coach and former Socceroo Adam Griffiths as the Head Coach and will assume responsibility after this weekend’s match against Sydney Olympic.

Griffiths, who was also an A-League winner with the Newcastle Jets as a player, was an overwhelming appointment to the role, continuing Manly United’s proud coaching tradition of appointing coaches from within.

“Adam’s appointment as the Head Coach was not a difficult decision with the Manly United Board, Technical Director Andrew Christiansen and departing coach Paul Dee all in agreement that he was ready for the challenge and the obvious choice,” Mason said.

“Adam has progressed through the Manly United coaching system and takes on the Head Coach role with a thorough understanding and experience in the Manly United philosophies and structures both in the junior and senior systems.

“We firmly believe in putting in place structures and pathways for our players and coaches so our structure allows us to look within when  promoting through the system. It is how Paul Dee took over from Craig Midgely in 2014 and now Adam has that opportunity moving forward.

“He has developed as a coach and a person and we have no doubt he is ready to take on the challenge of creating a winning team that truly represents the Northern Beaches football community.”