Cobham Football Club has announced that Sam Merison is stepping down from his position as 1st Team Manager to assume a new post as the Club’s Sporting Director.
Working to secure nearly £1m of new investment to upgrade the Club pitch and facilities, the Committee agreed that Sam will lead the sporting direction strategy and development of Cobham Football Club.
Sam has served the club with distinction as both player and manager, delivering numerous successes, most recently securing the clubs best run in both the FA Cup and FA Vase. In 2017/18 after his first full season as 1st Team Manager, Sam achieved the clubs first ever promotion to the Combined Premier League. He has also led the Clubs’ bid for Charter Club Status achieved in August 2019. In 2020 he also led on policy that helped the Club to become the priority investment choice for Elmbridge Borough Council for a new 3G pitch.

Sam stands down having been at the helm for 6 years and will hand over 1st Team Management to Craig Lewington who will take charge of the role with immediate effect with more to follow on that separately, shortly.

Sam said: “We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same consistency as we did previously. However, my plan was always to step down this year to allow me to focus on the most major developments in the club’s history. I would like to thank so many people at the Club but most of all the staff and players who always remained committed and loyal to the cause.”

Director of Football and Vice Chairman, Ewemade Orobator added: “I would like to pay tribute to Sam on behalf of all of us at Cobham Football Club. Sam’s efforts on the pitch for this Club have been outstanding from senior to junior level but it’s the unseen work off the pitch that is simply unrivalled and we are delighted beyond measure that Sam has offered to lead on our investment programme that will see a new 3G Pitch, new facilities at the club and also the creation of a new Academy side by season 2023/24.”

Club Chairman, Dave Tippetts concluded “Sam is a man of vision, decency and he is someone who will always put the Club first. He has been an outstanding manager with selfless service at all times. We cannot thank him enough for all that he has done on the pitch.”