Dixon Gill's departure as head coach and chairman has left a huge hole at Croydon

CROYDON officials say the departure of Dixon Gill as the club’s chairman and head coach has left a huge hole at the club.

Speculation has been rife in recent days about the 64-year-old’s future at the Croydon Sports Arena and Gill confirmed his departure in a text message this lunchtime.

“Got a few personal things to do outside football,” said Mr Gill.

A club statement, which was issued by match secretary Andy Hillburn, said: “It’s most unfortunate that Dickson has left both as chief coach and chairman.

“This has left a huge hole at the football club, which those remaining are still coming to terms with.

“As matters are very much in the air at the moment the club is not in a position to issue a formal statement.”

Mr Gill nor the club have yet confirmed who is in charge of team affairs, but it is believed that coach John Cumberbatch has been promoted to replace Gill in the dug-out.

Croydon have not even mentioned anything about Gill’s departure on its website or Twitter account.

Croydon have played the least number of games in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and have won seven, drawn two and lost eight of their 17 league outings.

Gill guided the Trams to the last 32 of The Buildbase FA Vase this season before they were dumped out of the competition by losing 3-0 away to Team Solent on 7 January 2017.

Croydon are in 12^th place in the table and are 10 points clear of the relegation zone, which is occupied by Beckenham Town and Fisher.

Croydon travel to fourth-placed Sheppey United on Saturday, 28 January 2017 (15:00).

Visit Croydon’s website: www.croydonfc.com