Fisher begin search for new manager after parting company with Gary Lisney

FISHER have parted company with manager Gary Lisney by “mutual consent”, after nearly two years in charge at Champion Hill, writes Stephen McCartney.


The club confirmed last night that Lisney had left the club after completing their Kent League campaign in last place with a record of 6 wins and 4 draws from 30 games and finishing one point adrift of Sporting Bengal United.

Lisney, the ex-Welling United under 18s manager, arrived in June 2009 as manager of the newly formed club.

Club spokesman Jude Bliss said in a statement to www.fisherfc.co.uk: “Gary Lisney will forever be remembered and appreciated for his instrumental role in getting the club up and running again after our reformation in May 2009.

”Gary put together a competitive side in an incredibly short space of time that summer and a decent cup run and 13^th placed (out of sixteen) finish was a great first season for a club in it’s formative year.”

The club’s press officer added, “Unfortunately things didn’t seem to progress this season and after a disappointing 2010-2011 both parties feel a fresh start would be best for all concerned.

”We wish Gary all the best for the future and would again like to put on record our thanks to Gary and his partner Liz for all their efforts and hard work over the last two years.”

The board has now asked finance director Ben Westmancott, with the assistance of Mr Bliss, to begin a formal search to identify and asses potential candidates for the managerial position.

No timescale has yet been placed on the process and the amateur club, who groundshare at Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill Stadium, will make a further statement regarding the managerial vacancy within the next few days.

If you are interested in the managerial job then please email jude@fisherfc.co.uk with your CV and details.

After picking up only two points from their last nine games, Lisney said following their 3-0 home defeat to runners-up Herne Bay in their penultimate league game of the season, “Of course, football’s all about results.  I’m not naïve to know about that.”

Reflecting on his two years at the club, Lisney added, “Last year we probably had a little bit of a moderate season on the back of enthusiasm and a lot of good feeling of getting the club back and playing again and we’ve got a decent stadium.

”This year has proved very, very difficult, but I still maintain the league’s stronger this year than it was last year.

”We are treading water frankly until we can get our own ground.  Everybody knows the financial situation, it’s difficult.”

Lisney added: “Having said that, we understand what the situation is.  We’ll get on with it and do the best we can with the resources we have available.”

Meanwhile, left-back Mark Lewis was voted the supporters’ player-of-the-season at the club’s presentation night held in a local pub following the side’s 1-0 home defeat to Sevenoaks Town last Saturday.

A club statement said, “Mark won a very tight race to take the trophy. Mark’s consistency levels throughout the season, his never-give-up attitude, and his leadership on the pitch since taking over the captaincy, made his a popular choice with the fans.

“George Savage ran Mark extremely close, and the vote came down to the paper ballots cast at the last two home matches following a neck-and-neck online poll. George did go home with a trophy, his most improved player award a recognition of his tireless contributions from midfield this season.”

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.co.uk