Foley steps down as VCD Athletic boss

Sunday 30th May 2010

PAUL FOLEY has today stepped down as manager of VCD Athletic after three seasons at the helm, writes Jeff Perkins.

Foley, the club’s most successful manager in their 94 year history, guided the club to second place in the Kent League in his first year in charge followed by the league title and Kent Senior Trophy in only his second season gaining promotion in the process and then capped it off with a highly successful debut in the Ryman North finishing on 67 points and in 8th place.

The 38-year-old manager has handed in his resignation letter to the club and it is understood that he is looking to take on another job at Ryman level.

The club have advised that the resignation has been tabled in advance of the decision of the appeal following the club’s relegation on the ground grading as it has no bearing on the resignation of the manager.

“The club are in receipt of my resignation which was on the cards last season for one reason or another. I wanted to see the season out and make sure that the club did themselves justice in the Ryman League,” Foley said in a statement, issued to www.vcd-athletic.co.uk.

“We did all of that, and some, as we were clearly a valuable acquisition to the Ryman League in my view but the way in which the club has been treated by the league is clearly scandalous.

“That process and the appeal which is pending has very little to do with my decision to step down as this was in my mind anyway. I will be assisting the appeal process in whatever way I can to help VCD and if necessary in a professional capacity.

“I am currently considering an offer from another Ryman club and I will be giving my decision to them at the end of this weekend.

“I believe that VCD are looking to appoint from within and for what it’s worth I think this is the right thing to do as the club is that sort of club. I wish them all the best next season in the Ryman North as that is the league they should be in and I wish the manager good luck in the next chapter in the history of the club.”

A club statement added: “So with the successful tenure of Paul Foley now over at Oakwood, the next few weeks will be an important crossroads for the club as it looks to maintain its Ryman League status.

“The new manager will have a tough act to follow but it is fair to say that the events recently may force the club to embark on a period of transition before looking to push forward once more.”

Article courtesy of www.vcd-athletic.co.uk