Holmesdale begin search for new manager as Lee Roots leaves club to manage in the Combined Counties League

VCD ATHLETIC manager Michael Power has not resigned – despite putting out a statement that sounded like he had in the wake of relegation at the weekend.

 

VCD Athletic finished their Isthmian League South East Division campaign in the bottom four, having picked up 38 points from as many games.

The Crayford based club were relegated via the Inter-Step Play-Off which they lost 1-0 at home to local rivals Phoenix Sports, who were promoted as runners-up in the Southern Counties East Football League courtesy of Ryan Hayes’ dramatic last-gasp penalty at the weekend.

Power, who replaced Grant Basey in February, lost eight of his 11 games in his first managerial job.

“Now the dust has settled, I would like to congratulate Phoenix Sports on promotion. They deserved it after the season they have had,” said Power.

“I’m gutted how the season ended but I will learn and come back better.  I would also like to thank all at VCD for the opportunity to manage the first team.

“I would also like to give a huge thanks to the fans that follow week-in-week out.  Sorry we let you down this year.

“I would also like to thank Grant Basey for bringing him in as his number two and (my management team of) Dean Harrison, Lorri Jeffery, Steve Northwood and Jack Mahoney for the past eight weeks for all your hard work.”

HOLMESDALE begin the search for a new management team after Lee Roots departed the Bromley-based club on Saturday.

Holmesdale completed their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign in the bottom four, having picked up 34 points from their 38 games.

The Dalers lost 14 of their last 16 games (scoring five goals) but stayed up by three points as Canterbury City and K Sports fell through the relegation trap door.

Roots will be managing in the Combined Counties League next season and will be taking his management team of Adam Groom, John Coleman, Adam Porter to his new club.

“Following the resignation of the Holmesdale manager Lee Roots and his management team, Holmesdale FC would like to place on record their thanks for all their hard work and commitment over the last few years,” said a club statement.

“We wish them all the very best in their next footballing adventure.

“Holmesdale FC are currently in discussions with interested parties and will make an announcement in due course.”

Meanwhile, First Division side Bridon Ropes announced the departure of manager Uche Ibemere left the Charlton-based club on 26 April.

“We want to place on record our sincere thanks to Uche, his assistants Frank Shaw, Solomon Bakare and Matt Drysdale and wish them all the best for the future,” said a club statement.

“Bridon Ropes FC invites applicants to apply in confidence for the vacant first team managers position. If interested, please email your CV to cburtonsmith@gmail.com.  Closing date for applications is Monday 8 May.”

Bridon Ropes completed their Southern Counties East Football League First Division campaign in ninth-place, having picked up 44 points from their 32 league games.