Maidenhead supporters reflect on Devonshire's departure after a decade of glory

Photo credit: Darren Woolley

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Alan Devonshire called time on his second spell as Maidenhead United boss on Sunday evening, and fans have taken to social media to reflect on the club’s ‘greatest ever manager’.

While most acknowledged it was probably time for Devonshire to step aside and give someone else a chance to lead the team forward, there’s no doubting the past 10 years have been among best in the club’s history.

Ryan Peters and Aaron O’Brien will take over in the interim and could replace Devonshire on a longer-term basis as well, according to chairman Peter Griffin.

Devonshire has led the team into the National League - the highest level the club has played at in its 150 odd year history - and managed to keep them there against all odds for eight successive campaigns.

He also masterminded their spectacular National League South title-winning season in 2016/17, when the team played some sensational football and notched up some impressive results on the way to lifting silverware.

They were relegated on the final day of last season - following a 3-0 home win over Boston United, and although they strung six league wins together earlier this season, Griffin admits the side’s form has ‘hit the buffers’ in recent weeks. Five straight league defeats and seven defeats in eight matches have seen the club slip out of the promotion picture and into lower mid-table.

Despite this, the reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive from supporters, who have - by and large - been able to turn a blind eye to recent poor form and focus on the bigger picture.

On X, Murdo Macleod spoke for many supporters when he posted: “The club’s greatest ever manager, twice over.

“A really sad day, but the right decision. Thanks for everything Alan.”

Matthew Forster (Go Mad or Stop Caring) on X added: “I’ve been on a Stone Roses binge these past few days after Mani’s passing. Ian Brown’s comment at their final gig in Hampden in 2017 applies here: ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy that it’s happened.”

He added: “In my opinion, Peters deserves his chance. It should have happened sooner in my opinion.”

Dean Bradley said: “Sad but necessary, I think. Dev will always remain a club legend and the best manager in our history.”

Chris Raine said: “Great manager for the club and a superb achievement to get in the National League and stay there. His legacy would have been so different if he’d stepped down after getting relegated even with the great end of season run.

“Terrible recruitment has cost him dearly.”

Ian Gray posted: “Top manager who helped make York Road an absolute fortress. All the best to Dev in whatever you do next. Good luck for the rest of the season Magpies.”

Frank @Greegers on X, posted an interesting insight into how Devonshire works as a manager.

“Legend. I managed against him nearly 20 years ago when he was at Maidenhead. We won 1-0 in the league and on the way home he rang me and asked about my thoughts on how his side could have done better. Respect and good luck.”

Ross Powell said: “I remember watching Maidenhead play Bath City when they were previously at his level. What Alan achieved on what I assume is a modest budget is quite remarkable. Although the right time for this may well have been after relegation last season.”

Steve Cooper added: “It’s sad that it has ended this way, but he’s made the right decision. Dev is the greatest manager we’ve had and will always be welcome at York Road in the future. We will get right behind him tomorrow night and on Saturday. Alan Devonshire’s Black and White Army!”

Others were less complimentary. Alan C (@Acrosby_sl6) said: “Whilst echoing the ‘thanks for everything’ sentimentality of other posts here, I think this is long overdue. Shouldn’t be sticking around for two more games.”

Former academy coach Aaron Steadman also felt the time was right for Devonshire to step aside.

“Very welcome news,” he posted. “Hopefully we get back on track now.”