His sideline role wound up at least two years earlier than planned, but Scotsman Peter Smith will continue to keep a keen eye on Tauranga City United in this year's Northern League.
Smith took the coaching reins at Tauranga City last year but his new role as football development manager within
the Waikato Bay of Plenty Football Federation means he's had relinquish involvement with the club side.
He will continue as Western Bay of Plenty football development officer, a role he's had for three years.
"There's only five football development managers in New Zealand helping roll out the Whole of Football Plan and a prerequisite of the job was not having any involvement in senior winter league clubs, just to avoid conflicts of interest and any hint of bias," Smith said.
"I was reluctant for that to happen because I really enjoyed last year and think I'd set in place some foundations to take the team forward.
Smith's blueprint for Tauranga City was built on youth development, something he hoped would continue to happen under new coaches Grant Turner and John Whitley.
