Mark Molesley leads tributes to Weymouth vice-chairman Paul Maitland

Maitland is set to depart the Bob Lucas Stadium after Saturday’s home game with Chesterfield, bringing to an end a 10-year association with Weymouth.

Maitland played a key role in encouraging Molesley to apply for the manager’s job in 2017.

Having managed the Terras for their 1-0 FA Trophy loss to Dartford in January, Maitland has undertaken roles including goalkeeping coach, assistant-manager and director of football during his decade-long stay.

But crucially to Molesley, Maitland was a person not only he could trust but is proud to call a friend.

READ MORE: Mark Molesley's mixed feelings after beating Weymouth with new club Aldershot

Paying tribute to Maitland’s work at the Terras, the current Aldershot boss told Echosport: “Paul was absolutely vital.

“I wouldn’t have got the job if it wasn’t for Paul and I don’t think I would’ve taken the job if it wasn’t for Paul.

“He was the one who suggested me to the board and then I got an interview. It was important that if I was to take on the challenge that I wanted Paul with me.

“He was the real unsung hero of our time there, him and Tom Prodomo my assistant.

“They don’t do it for any recognition, for any popularity. But without them, that club wouldn’t have functioned and we wouldn’t have achieved what we did.

“Those two were right by my side the whole way along with Brad (Asagba), Nick (Bennett), Robbie (Yates) and all the other valuable members of staff, Webby (Danny Webb).

“We were one united team. Paul was the gel for everyone. He brought us all together and between me and the board he was the one that made sure I focused on football.

“He took care of all the other stuff and hid me from a lot of it as well.

“The meetings, the contracts, everything that went on he took care of. He really managed to let me focus on the training pitch, the tactics, the matches.

“Without him we wouldn’t have achieved anything near what we did. He was absolutely instrumental.”

Molesley had sympathy for Maitland in his decision, recognising the energy needed to fulfil the roles he executed at the club.

“Not only was he great at his job, he’s a great man as well,” Molesley added. “I’ve got a lifelong true friend there.

“I’m very sad to hear the news that he’s stepping down at Weymouth. I understand it, it takes a big toll.

“I don’t think people realise how much work goes on behind the scenes. You live and breathe that football club when you’re in it and he certainly has.

“Every win, every defeat, I know how much emotionally it takes out of you. That’s certainly the case with Paul.

“He’s probably going to take a bit of time out now because he’s put so much in to the project.

“Now’s maybe the right time to have a small break.

“What can’t be underestimated is where Paul took over his role, where the club was and where the club sits at the moment.

“That’s a meteoric rise overseen by him. He was a vital part of that, otherwise the club wouldn’t be where it is now.”

Molesley also credited Maitland for ensuring Weymouth remained in the black during his time at the Terras.

He said: “He ended up being director of football with us. He started out as my assistant and we quickly realised he was always the one between the board and playing side.

“He’s got a wealth of knowledge in business, football and he’s a really good people person.

“He was literally so vital. The budget, everything, he took care of.

“He made sure he navigated that club safely and securely to the National League without any overspend and did it in a self-sufficient way. That’s got to be applauded.

“As a manager you always want more. He managed to keep me in check, he kept the club safe but also delivered the right players.

“We didn’t hang around. We always made sure we had our best players tied down to the club.

“He navigated all the way to the National League. Not many teams can do that without overspending or putting the club at some sort of risk.

“He certainly never let that happen.”