Group issues statement over Jones departure and Holden appointment
Supporters of FC Isle of Man say they're 'saddened' by the departure of manager, Paul Jones but believe his replacement is 'the strongest appointment' the club could make at this time.
The Ravens 12th Man group has issued a lengthy statement giving its thoughts on the managerial changes at the Manx club which have taken place in the last seven days.
Last Tuesday (23 September) FC Isle of Man announced Jones would be stepping down from his role with immediate effect with the team sitting 22nd in the NWCFL Premier Division.
Just over 24 hours later, it was confirmed that former Manchester City and Oldham Athletic player, Rick Holden would be taking up the post of first team manager on a caretaker basis.
Giving its views on the changes, The Ravens 12th Man says it has 'taken it's time' to consider what it wanted to say rather than speaking in the 'heat of the moment.'
With regards to Mr Jones departure, the group describes him as 'one of the key figures' in the creation of the club and they will 'remember his time in the hot seat fondly.'
On the appointment of Mr Holden, The Ravens 12th Man says - along with his Premier League playing career - what matters to them is Mr Holden's 'contribution to football on the Isle of Man' in recent years.
Furthermore, the group believes the interim boss's task right now is 'a critical one' to 'steady the ship, rebuild confidence, and ideally steer the squad back toward winning ways.'
Mr Holden's first game in charge of FC Isle of Man will be this Saturday (4 October) at 6pm at The Bowl in Douglas when the Island side hosts Barnoldswick Town in the NWCFL Premier Division.
You can view the full statement from The Ravens 12th Man supporters group below:
"We have two important matters to address in this statement. First, the departure of Paul Jones as manager. Second, the appointment of Rick Holden as caretaker. We want to make clear from the start that this is not a knee-jerk reaction. We have taken our time to consider what we wanted to say, rather than speaking in the heat of the moment. The events of this week were significant, and as supporters we felt it was right to pause, reflect, and then respond.
"Paul Jones has been one of the key figures in the creation of this club. He helped establish FC Isle of Man, giving us a team to follow, creating a pathway for Manx talent, and providing local players with opportunities to progress in the sport. Without him, there may well have been no club at all.
"Since taking over as manager in 2022, Paul has devoted a large part of his life to the Ravens. He has made plans, built a squad, and worked hard to raise standards for individual players and for the team as a whole. His dedication came at a time when the club was facing change, and he gave everything to the role.
"Many of us in the 12th Man recognised his effort and stood behind him even when results were difficult. The start of this season has been tough, but with several senior players stepping back at the end of last year, we knew that this would be a rebuilding period.
"Even in the hardest times, Paul was there to face the questions head on. He never hid and always made himself available to speak to the media team after matches, explaining the results and taking responsibility. In doing so, he protected his young players and allowed them to focus on their football. In recent weeks squad members have made it clear how much they valued this leadership, and supporters did too.
"It is also worth remembering that FC Isle of Man is a community club. When we sing “They’re all of our own,” that includes the coaching and management staff as well as the players. The club exists to give all of them the chance to develop at a higher level.
"Paul has always made time for supporters. He has engaged with us from the sidelines, and after away games he often joined us in clubhouses up and down the North West Counties. He never shied away from a chat or a pint or failed to share a word or a smile, and that meant a lot.
"While we are saddened by the decision that Paul is stepping aside, we will remember his time in the hot seat fondly. We wish nothing but the best for him and his family in whatever comes next. He will always be welcome in Conspiracy Corner - and in the hearts of the 12th Man.
"The second matter is the appointment of Rick Holden as caretaker manager. In our view, this is the strongest appointment the Board could have made at this time.
"Much has already been said about his Premier League playing career with clubs such as Manchester City and Oldham Athletic. For us, what matters most is his contribution to football on the Isle of Man since moving here in 1996. He has managed Peel and Ayre United to league success and played a key role in the Isle of Man FA’s gold medal at the 2017 Island Games. His knowledge of the game and his understanding of Manx football cannot be questioned.
"His task now is a critical one: steady the ship, rebuild confidence, and ideally steer the squad back toward winning ways. He may be stepping into a tough situation midseason, but we believe he has the experience, local credibility, and character to do so.
"At present, we understand that the duration of his tenure is still uncertain. Whether he’s in charge for three games, for the rest of the season, or beyond, one thing is clear: Rick is the right appointment at this time, and the 12th Man will back him with the same ferocity and unity we show at every game.
"So here’s to Rick, and to the team. Good luck! We look forward to cheering you and your squad on in the upcoming fixture against Barnoldswick Town on Saturday, 4 October."
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