Assistant manager Sam Wilson announces his departure from Canterbury City

CANTERBURY CITY assistant manager Sam Wilson has announced his departure from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

Canterbury City are fourth-from-bottom in the table, having collected 28 points from their 30 league games, 15 points clear of the drop zone, which is occupied by Lordswood and Tower Hamlets.

The club eased their relegation fears after holding third-placed side Glebe to a 1-1 draw at Salters Lane at the weekend and have eight league games left to play.

“After taking Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Glebe alongside Dan Lawrence, I think the best way to end two years at Canterbury City is on a high, so having overseen 49 games as both an assistant and as joint-manager, I feel now is the best time to step away,” said Wilson.

“It’s been a pleasure working alongside Dan and Ada Gower since the new year and when the opportunity comes I have absolutely no doubts Dan Lawrence will be a great gaffer.

“For me personally, the five weeks that myself and DL took the reigns were some of the most enjoyable I have had in football.  The boys were superb, brought into everything we wanted to do and for that I have so much love and respect for them and how they performed for us in our short time in charge.

“It was disappointing after three very positive performances and a lot of work myself and Dan put in on and off the pitch that the club decided not to offer us the position going forward and appoint externally, especially in the manner in which it was done. However, that’s the unjust side of football. 

“We know what we did and what we could have achieved with the group of players we have and this was once again proven on Saturday when we took charge and got a great result against a top three side.

“New challenges await.  I wish nothing but success to the lads who are an absolutely fantastic group of players on and off the pitch in whatever they decide to do next in their playing careers.

“To the loyal fans of this club, keep that passion you all have and I hope the club can find a place for you to call home soon.”

Keith Bird takes charge of his ninth game when he takes Canterbury City to thirteenth-placed side Fisher on Saturday, 19 March.

Bird, the former Holmesdale chairman, has picked up two wins, two draws and four defeats since taking charge of team affairs from Wilson on 18 January.

Wilson was in charge of three games (picking up four points) after Chris Woollcott’s resignation on 12 December.

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.net