Chapman calls it a day
CSKA Carnabys this week confirm that club legend Danny Chapman will be stepping down as CSKA II manager with immediate effect.
Following a highly successful first season as CSKA II manager that delivered the team’s highest ever league finish (5th in Division 4) and of course bringing home the club’s first piece of silverware in the shape of the Stokes Cup, Danny made the tough decision to step down to allow himself to spend more time with his daughter.
The club fully understands and respects Danny’s decision on this matter, and everyone would like to thank him for the massive role he playing in delivering success.
Chapman’s managerial career got off to an incredible start in Division 4, winning 5 out of the first 6 games of the season, the latter of which was an incredible 5-4 win at home to Bagworth Athletic having trailed 0-4 at half-time.
But after a sticky run in the middle of the season, the team delivered some brilliant results in the new format Stokes Cup, winning 3 penalty shootouts along the way to the club’s first ever final and victory at Holmes Park in May.
“Chappo made it clear from early 2024 that he wanted to take on the challenge of managing the reserve side, succeeding Bav. Despite me throwing some curveballs at him, namely asking to have the team into a higher division, he happily obliged and accepted the challenge.
He had several new players joined the side who quickly established themselves as regulars, but also helped the first team on many occasions by giving game-time to players who were returning from injury or simply needing more minutes.
He was very easy to work with, I loved playing with him as a player, and I loved working alongside him as a manager. He has a lot of love for the club and I know that stepping away wouldn’t have been an easy decision. But I absolutely respect the decision he has made, and whilst I wish he has many more pleasant weekends with his family, I hope his other weekends where he’s off watching Notts Forest are mostly miserable!” – CM
CSKA Carnabys will be making an announcement regarding Chapman’s successor in due course.