Fisher sack Gary Abbott: A change is needed to ensure the club remain in a competitive position in the relegation battle at the foot of the Premier Division

FISHER have sacked manager Gary Abbott after 23 games in charge of the struggling club.

The Rotherhithe-based club are rooted to the foot of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with a sorry playing record of one win, four draws and 13 defeats, leaving the club six points adrift of safety, taking goal-difference into account.

Fisher have lost their last seven games in all competitions and Abbott gave the club ammunition when he said following his side’s 4-3 home defeat to Sheppey United in the Macron Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup Second Round on 15 November, “I’ve even said to the chairman, if you’re not happy with results, get rid of me, get rid of me. If that’s what you feel is right for the club.”

Fisher then suffered a humiliating 5-0 home defeat to then leaders Ashford United and suffered a 5-1 defeat away to Haringey & Waltham in the London Senior Cup (Sponsored by Coventry Scaffolding) on Thursday night, watched by a crowd of 16.

The final straw came in today’s Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Second Round tie when SCEFL First Division side Glebe came away from St Paul’s with a 4-2 win.

Abbott guided Fisher to three wins, four draws and 16 defeats during his spell in charge of the club.

“Fisher FC have this evening spoken to Gary Abbott to inform him that he is to be removed from his position as first team manager,” said a club statement, which was posted on www.fisherfc.org.

“Following seven straight defeats in all competitions, culminating in today’s 4-2 home defeat against SCEFL First Division side Glebe in the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy, the board recognise that a change is needed to ensure the club remain in a competitive position in the relegation battle at the foot of the Premier Division.

“Fisher would like to thank Gary for his efforts whilst with the club and the important role he has played in helping the side find their feet at St Paul’s.

“Gary worked very hard for the club and the board recognise this, but ultimately the manager needs to deliver results and unfortunately they have not come this season. We wish Gary well for his future career.”

Whoever comes in and takes the hot-seat will have his hands tied as Fisher operate without a playing budget. 

Fisher travel to Sheppey United in the league next Saturday. The Ites lost the chance of climbing to the summit after losing 3-2 at home to new league leaders Crowborough Athletic today.  Ernie Batten’s side are third in the table on 36 points from 18 games, while Crowborough have won 17 games on the bounce to move to the top with 38 points from 16 games.

Fisher have not confirmed the identity of their next manager but whoever comes in will have to shore up their defence having shipped in 67 goals this season.

Visit Fisher’s website:  www.fisherfc.org