Reuben Hazell has mutually agreed to leave his role as manager of the Panjab Football Association after discussions with senior board members.

The decision takes effect immediately, meaning that Hazell coached his final game on May 9, leading his side to victory over Cascadia in the 5^th place Play-Off at the 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup.

Hazell, though, departs with pride. In an official statement, he says:

“I leave with my head held high, knowing that I did all within my powers to make this a successful Football Association. I would like to thank Harpreet [Chairman of Panjab FA], the staff, and especially the players for this great venture I’ve been allowed to be a part of.”

Harpreet Singh, meanwhile, adds his gratitude to Hazell for all his work and efforts to date. He says: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Reuben Hazell for setting exceptional professional standards since the inception of Panjab FA.”

Singh adds: “Throughout his time here, Reuben has carried himself with dignity and honesty. He accepted the challenge of being the first national team manager of Panjab, turning us into a very strong national team that has built an extremely credible reputation on and off the pitch. Reuben deserves great respect for the job he has done, and he leaves us with our best wishes.”

Hazell has been with Panjab FA since their establishment in 2014 and has overseen their meteoric rise in recent years. Under his guidance, Panjab FA came agonisingly close to winning the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup before coming fifth in the 2018 edition of the tournament.

The former Oldham Athletic captain says: “Where the Panjab Football Association is now to where we started, is in a much better place. With a little more luck, we could have been CONIFA World Champions, and that is great credit to everybody who has been involved to date.”

In a final goodbye, Reuben Hazell says: “I wish Panjab FA all the best in the future. I will always take great pride in knowing that I’m a part of the Panjab FA history.”

The search is now on for a new manager, with the team looking for someone who believes they can take Panjab FA forward in line with their ambitions.

About possible candidates, Harpreet Singh says: “We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we believe will lead us into an exciting future. We will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed.”

If you think that this could be you, be sure to apply for this incredible opportunity.

Interested applicants can submit a CV and covering letter to info@PanjabFA.com.

Written by Keiran Samra.