Estonian second-division side Viimsi JK will begin a new chapter after announcing that long-serving head coach Ivo Lehtmets has stepped down from his role following nine seasons in charge. Despite leaving the position, Lehtmets will remain within the organization.
The 50-year-old has been in charge of the first team since 2017 and played a crucial role in the club’s rapid rise through the Estonian football pyramid. Under his leadership, Viimsi climbed from the fourth tier to the second division in 2022 and have since been one of the strongest sides in the league.
Over the past three seasons, Viimsi finished as runners-up three times in a row, coming awfully close to promotion to Estonia’s top flight through the play-offs. Lehtmets has now chosen to step down from his role as head coach.
Rather than fully departing, Lehtmets will move into a key development role at the club as academy coach. He will oversee training processes and support young players as they transition toward senior football.
Speaking about his decision, Lehtmets explained that the change was emotional but necessary:
“Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to take a step back and take a breath. I truly believe that change is not always a bad thing. I simply felt that I no longer had the energy to push things forward as head coach, but leaving the club was never an option. My heart and soul are here,” he said in a statement. “I want the team to be left in very good hands, and I will continue to be here at all times.”
