Kevin Watson: Whilst my stay at the club has been short, being at Herne Bay has given me the biggest challenges I have ever faced in management so it was everything I thought it would be and more when I arrived

HERNE BAY begin the search for a new manager after Kevin Watson confirms that he will step down from the role after today’s final league game of the sesaon at home to champions Bishop’s Stortford.

Herne Bay have been relegated from the Isthmian League Premier Division table, having picked up eight wins and nine draws from their 41 league games.

“It is with sadness that I announce today’s game against Bishop’s Stortford will be my last as the first-team manager of Herne Bay,” said Watson in a statement.

“The decision to leave has been a difficult one and yet I feel it is the right one.  It is difficult in the sense that I feel connected to the club, having got to know a lot of passionate people involved and supporting the club since arriving in late November.

“The right one in terms of what will be best, with the club needing to re-adjust its priorities and ambitions to stabilise things moving forward under a new chairman and board of directors.

“I need to make it abundantly clear that this decision has not been made as a result of relegation but rather other mitigating circumstances.

“When I left Cray Valley, I was privileged to be in a position where I had a few options available to further my managerial career.  I chose Herne Bay because it represented to me the biggest challenge, with the club being at the bottom of the league.

“My intension at the time, based on agreements and assurances, was to stay for an extended period and certainly not to leave at the end of the season.

“Adam Flanagan and myself came to the club with optimism, excitement and the belief we would push the club away from the bottom of the league and secure safety.

“Unfortunately, some of the initial agreements were not upheld which over time magnified the challenge we faced.

“Despite those challenges, I would like to think that those who have witnessed performances over the last five months have experienced a style of play which was pleasing to watch and which statistically would have resulted in survival if over the course of the entire season.

“I always say that a manager’s most important appointment is his assistant.  I have never viewed Adam Flanagan an assistant but rather a partner who I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside and who has contributed and supported more than he will ever be humble enough to admit. 

“To the players. We asked you to change your mindset. We asked for more dedication and commitment. We asked for you to deliver in a tactical send that may have been unfamiliar to some.  In every aspect you have been not only receptive but a genuine pleasure to work with and have at times exceeded what should be expected of you.

“Lastly, to the fan base who I feel a real connection with. They have at times entertained us as much as we have them.

“Whilst my stay at the club has been short, being at Herne Bay has given me the biggest challenges I have ever faced in management so it was everything I thought it would be and more when I arrived.

“I now wish the club the very best of fortune for next season, with no doubt the new chairman and directors will have the best interests of the club at the forefront of their thinking and actions.

“When I am in the area I will most certainly pop in from time to  time to catch up with everyone.  Until that time, I wish everyone the best of wishes.”

Herne Bay go into their final game of their maiden Isthmian League Premier Division campaign in the bottom three.

James Collins’ Bowers & Pitsea (33 points), Herne Bay (33), Corinthian-Casuals (26) and Brightlingsea Regent (24) have already been relegated.

Watson was in charge of Herne Bay for 26 games, today being his 27^th in all competitions.  Herne Bay picked up seven wins, seven draws and 12 defeats during his short stay in charge at Winch’s Field.

Ben Smith, who got Herne Bay into the eighth-tier of English football for the first time, stepped down from the job on 5 November.

A club statement added: “Everyone at Herne Bay Football Club would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Kevin and his team for their unfaltering dedication and professionalism during this season.

“Kevin and his team have carried themselves incredibly during some extremely challenging times at Herne Bay Football Club and we will forever appreciate everything they have done. The club wish them nothing but the best, wherever they may go.”

Today’s opponents, Bishop’s Stortford, have already claimed the Isthmian League Premier Division title, having picked up 85 points from their 41 league games and will be playing National League South football next season.

Hornchurch (81 points), Canvey Island (81), Aveley (75) and Neil Smith’s Cray Wanderers (73) go into the final round of fixtures in the play-off zone, with Tony Russell’s Lewes (71) ready to pounce if the Wands slip up at Haringey Borough today.

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfootballclub.co.uk