News

Club Announcement - Senior Team management

Jan 3, 2025

Official Sifil AFC club statement

It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we announce Matthew Palmer (affectionately known to us all as “Cabbage”) has, by mutual consent, decided to step down from his role as manager. After more than 20 years of dedicated service to both Newport Civil Service AFC and its new incarnation of Sifil AFC, Cabbage’s impact on our club cannot be overstated. His passion, commitment, and leadership have been the backbone of this team for two decades. 

From nurturing talent on the pitch, to being a steady hand during challenging times, he has embodied the very spirit of the club. Last season’s incredible “Great Escape” was a testament to his skill, belief, and determination, laying a strong foundation for the future.

While Cabbage steps down as manager, He has also vowed to support the team and the new management setup, as we embark on this exciting new chapter. He will also continue to play a prominent role in the Junior section of the club, and with the management of the Sifil site, more broadly.

Cabbage, we cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for Sifil AFC. You have left an indelible mark on the club, and we look forward to seeing you around the pitch, sharing in our successes, and enjoying the next phase of football with your family.

We will start 2025 with a fresh Senior set-up as part of our continued club development, as we welcome a new management team of Nicky Potts & Craig Mather to lead the 1st team. The duo will focus on improving the structure, discipline and setting of standards regarding training, performance analysis and matchday preparation. This will be combined with a drive on developing and bringing-through Youth talent, which has been their forte at previous clubs. 

Nicky and Craig will be boosted by the help of an experienced manager/coach of tier 2/3 Welsh league standard, who will be lending his valued expertise and knowledge in a 'Director of Football' role, to guide, advise and offer technical input. The 2nd side will remain largely unchanged for the time being, and we will monitor progress and take action accordingly. 

The management team have started immediately and have already held a meeting and training session with players, in advance of Saturdays game against Wattsville.

The ownership are excited and optimistic about the changes, and are fully behind the new management as we look forward to seeing results and systems improve over the remainder of the season. We ask for full support from our followers and all those affiliated, as we take another step forward in the journey of this fantastic club and sports facility. 

Sifil AFC Committee

#UptheSif

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