Jake Taylor: I've taken Hawkinge Town as far as I can and it's time for someone else to take over the reins

HAWKINGE TOWN begin the search for a new management team after Jake Taylor decided to step down after stating that he has taken the club as far as he can.

 

Taylor, his assistant manager Brandan O’Hanlon, coach Mark Hyham and club secretary Grant Wilbur have all left their positions at the three-year-old club.

“I am standing down as manager of the club.  I think I have taken the club as far as I can and it’s time for someone else to take over the reins,” Taylor told www.hawkingefootball.co.uk.

“It’s difficult to carry on with the resources we have and I will be looking to take a break as I feel I need it.

“That said, I will be keeping my options open as I always do.  I would like to thank everyone at the club and wish them all the success for the future.”

Taylor added: “It has been three years which I have enjoyed immensely and I have some great memories to take with me.

“Also, my assistant manager Brandan O’Hanlon and first team coach Mark Hyham will also be standing down.

“I have really enjoyed working with both of them.  It is important to have trust in the people you work with.  I have known Brendan and Mark since they were kids and played with and against them on the pitch when we were younger and they have remained good friends over the past 20 odd years.

“Both have the same ideas on the game as I do, so it has worked well for the three of us.

“I think our success has been a joint effort.  I would like to thank them for their commitment and support and hopefully I get the opportunity to work with them again in the future.”

Hawkinge Town completed their NRG Gym Kent County League Division One East campaign in fourth-place on 32 points, having won 10 and drawn two of their 20 league games.

They play their games at the Hawkinge Community Football Sports Trust Pitches on Incinerator Road and they finished 14 points adrift of league champions New Romney.

The club was formed in 2013 out of the need to provide Hawkinge Youth Club players a progression into senior football.

“This season has seen some memorable games and I think it’s been my strongest side since I became manager,” said Taylor.

“Unfortunately, reliability has been a problem so I have rarely been able to field my best team week in week out.

“We have travelled to a lot of games with only eleven players but have still and some incredible results.

“If I had been able to field my best side every week, I have no doubt that we would have been challenging in all of the competitions.

“It’s been a great three years that I will always remember.  I am still hoping to be around the club when I get the opportunity and I know the same can be said for Brendan and Mark.

“Mark does a lot of refereeing for the youth section and I think Brendan will help with the girls’ team where his daughter will start her playing career.  If she’s got half the ability of her dad then she will be a great player.”

A club statement added: “Hawkinge Town FC can confirm that entry to the Kent County League Division One has been submitted for next season. The club will now explore various options to put a new management team in place and build on the excellent work led by former manager Jake Taylor.”

Visit Hawkinge Town’s website: http://www.hawkingefootball.co.uk