The club announced Meakin’s departure yesterday morning with a statement on its social media channels thanking him for his dedication and achievements with the Channel Island champions.
Meakin revealed that it was not a decision he had taken lightly.
‘It has been a really difficult decision to make,’ he said.
‘My personal circumstances have changed, my son lives with me full-time now and I need to be present for him. I wouldn’t be able to commit as much time as I had done and that is not fair on the players.
‘It’s a huge commitment and last season, with the Island U18s as well, I coached 46 games, plus training sessions.’
He said that he would still like to stay involved with the club in a role that was not as time consuming as head coach.
In his most recent stint as Saints manager, Meakin led St Martin’s to complete a quadruple, lifting the Priaulx, Stranger and Jeremie Cups as well as regaining the Upton Park Trophy.
‘It’s been brilliant, I have loved every minute and I will really miss it,’ he said.
‘Winning the Upton and Wheway in Jersey are some highlights – not a lot of clubs have done that – and winning the league and Upton here, as an island we have won three [Uptons] in four years now between ourselves and Vale Rec.’
Jason Leaman will also be stepping down from his role as assistant coach.
‘He’s been brilliant, he is a fantastic coach,’ said Meakin of the man who won the coach of the year at the club last season.
‘It was me, Ben [Hunter] and Sam Ashplant when I came back in and Jace was keen to get back involved, it’s been great.
‘He’s busy with all of his representative teams, so it’s a good time for us both to step away.’
Meakin paid tribute to his players and feels that it is an exciting role for someone to step into.
‘They’re a group, there are no bad personalities in there, they stick together, socialise together, play together, train together. They’ve been patient with me if I haven’t picked them – they’ve been brilliant for me and I hope they are for whoever comes next,’ he said.
Saints will now begin the search for a new coach to succeed Meakin for their Priaulx League title defence next season.
