PETERSFIELD Town manager Mark Summerhill has paid tribute to departing coach Matt Collins.

Saturday’s game against Hythe and Dibden was meant to be Collins’ last game at the club, but it was postponed.

However, an event was organised at Love Lane to mark Collins’ time at the club.

“It was a great send off for Matt,” said Summerhill. “The players, committee members and fans were all there.

“Matt was a well-respected guy and he’ll be missed.”

Collins arrived at Love Lane during a difficult period for the club, which suffered back-to-back relegations in 2016-17 and 2017-18, and Summerhill praised Collins for his loyalty.

The Rams boss said: “Matt joined the club in the Southern League relegation season, and I brought him back here in the Wessex League relegation season.

“It was a difficult time for the club and we needed people to come in and stay, and not just spend a few months here and then go. We were turning up every Tuesday and Saturday and were getting beat and getting abuse. It was a tough time and it was mentally tough.

“Matt’s been loyal and stood shoulder to shoulder with me.”

Summerhill admitted he was sad to see Collins go, and he praised the impact he has had at Love Lane.

“Matt was great,” said the Petersfield manager. “He kept me in check. He is a very level person and is very steady no matter what happens.

“I’ll really miss him. This was our third season together and he’ll be a big loss.

“As well as being a coach, Matt has effectively been my assistant manager.

“He’s got a new job and a new partner and is moving.

“I’m really disappointed to see him go, but I’m really pleased for him. He’ll leave a big hole at the club.”

Summerhill still has coach Craig Merritt on the books at Love Lane, and the Petersfield manager stressed he doesn’t need to rush finding Collins’ successor.

“Marlon Day is taking a break from the club but we’ve still got Craig here and I’ll be doing it together with him,” said Summerhill.

“The club is looking for a physio and another coach, but we won’t rush it. If people apply we’ll consider them.

“Craig is a really good coach and we’ve got Ryan Covey here as a goalkeeper coach.”