Ashford based Robbins leaves Rye United by "mutual consent"

Mike Robbins, the former reserve team manager at Ashford Town and coach at Kent League side Hythe Town, has parted company with Sussex County League side, Rye United by "mutual consent", writes Stephen McCartney.

Ashford resident Robbins was in charge of the first team at Rye United for just over seven months.

A statement issued by the club on www.ryefc.com said: “As part of a two year plan, he felt that he could take the club into the top half of the Sussex County League first division and become a “force to be reckoned with.”

“Mike has brought several players in from Kent to provide a different source at The Salts, some of which that stayed despite the travelling.”

At present, Rye United have won five league games, drawn three and lost nine and have accrued 18 points, just two points short of the total for last season when the club won only four, drew eight and lost 26, with a goal difference of minus 45.

The statement added: “The performances in the cup games, however, “left much to be desired”.

”Mike Robbins stated that he was “disappointed” with some of the performances from players he knew could play better and didn’t want to.”

Last week, Mick Walton, stepped down with immediate effect as the club’s assistant manager.

“Chairman, Clive Taylor felt that it was probably the right time to part company and stabilise the situation immediately with the appointment of caretaker-manager, John Gardner,” the statement added.

Gardner has been a goalkeeper with the club for several seasons and, when asked if he would want the job permanently, he said: “I’ll see how it goes.  I wanted to concentrate on playing this season but it’s quite an exciting prospect.  I will take the job on a temporary basis at present.”

With 17 league games played so far out of the 38 the news leaves a new regime at the club in a position to be able to build on the current position of 18^th and presently several points clear of the drop zone.

Club chairman, Mr Clive Taylor added: “There will be no rush to make an appointment for the full-time role as any candidate will need to be the right person for the job after the club has faced several managerial changes in the last few seasons.

“Rye United would like to thank Mike Robbins for all the time and effort he has put into the club this season and would like to wish him every success for the future.”

Visit Rye United's website:  www.ryefc.com