Hughes parts company with Beckenham

BILLY HUGHES admits joining his home-town team Metrogas will be a step back - but the coach is gunning to return to the Kent League as quickly as possible, writes Stephen McCartney.

The New Eltham based 34-year-old parted company with Kent League side Beckenham Town at the end of the season after two seasons at Eden Park Avenue.

And he cited “differences” between him and manager Jason Huntley were the reasons behind his departure.

“I just left because of differences between myself and Jason,” Hughes told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“He wants to play one style, I want to play another, that’s about it.

“We’ve been friends a long time but in football you have disagreements. Some you can live with some you can’t. I think it’s time to get away from there.

“There’s other issues as well because the poracabins that were there, the dressing rooms, they’ve gone now. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done (to the ground) there so it’s better for me to go on and go onto other clubs and improve my CV and see what comes out of it.”

Hughes believes he will get back into Kent League football, especially helping the Eden Park Avenue outfit to third last season, reaching the Kent Senior Trophy Final, where they lost to Thamesmead Town at a sodden Park View Road and progressing to the fourth round of the London Senior Cup.

“I am a bit gutted really - but sometimes you have to move on,” said Hughes.

“I had two Kent League side come in and ask if they wanted me to help out.

“I wanted to start again, I’ve just had another baby, my second child, so I just thought I’d go and work with a lower league side and help them out.

“I’ve got a good friend at Metrogas, I know it’s a step backwards but I’m only 34, it’s going to be no harm. They’ve got some great players so I have other players to go there with me. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I did go for another job in the Ryman, I don’t want to say what club it was, things didn’t work out there.

“It’s a step backwards (coaching Metrogas) to revaluate what I want to do, get some more experience.

“I’m hoping to get them promoted and next year something will hopefully fall on my lap, if not sooner.”

Hughes joins a long list of managers and coaches that have left Kent League sides and have struggled to get back at that level.

And he said: “I think it’s a bit clickey really. A few clubs have underachieved but they keep the same manager, which I don’t understand.

“Some clubs have got big budgets and don’t bring home any silverware at all, which I think is wrong.”

Hughes wanted to pay tribute to the players at Eden Park Avenue, thanking them for their time and effort and brilliant attitude, especially at training.