I have no axe to grind, says ex-Faversham boss Copley

It's a regrettable fact of life but, football managers come and go with a fair degree of regularity and normally the main reason for their departure is the performance, or lack of it, on the pitch of their chosen players, writes Tony Gray.

Paul Copley is no exception - the hard truth lies in the fact that week in and week out his Faversham Town side have under-performed on a massive scale and, as a result, the side occupy the second from bottom slot in the Kent Premier League and "Copes" has lost his job as a result.

What is exceptional, however, is the response and attitude that Copley has displayed since receiving the news of his departure in a phone call last Tuesday night.

"It goes without saying that I'm disappointed to have lost my job but I can have no arguments with the committee's decision,” he told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

“This is a results business that we are in and at the end of the day one win and a draw just isn't good enough."

Having taken control of the side in April of this year Copley's short reign at Salters Lane was brought to an abrupt end during an emergency committee meeting called following the home defeat to bottom of the league side Slade Green.

"What's frustrating for me is that at times the group of players I have brought together played some really decent football.

“The games against Lancing, Greenwich Borough and Thamesmead were testimony to that, we just couldn't produce that form on a regular basis."

Since joining the club, initially as first team coach under previous manager Terry Cordice and during his spell in charge Copley has been a firm favourite with everyone at Salters Lane.

His enthusiasm and commitment to the club have been second to none.

Copley said: "Away from the pitch I'm delighted with what I achieved. We have, in all three teams, excellent management teams and I sincerely hope that Piggy (Paul Piggott) gets the managers job ASAP.

“He's a top guy and deserves, I think, his chance. The club is now run more professionally and our approach to games at all levels is outstanding.

Regarding his dismissal Copley has no axe to grind, adding: "I would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank everyone on the committee that has supported me and for their hard work in making Salter's Lane the best ground in the Kent League.

“The effort those people put in on a week to week, day by day basis is awesome. Hey even my Dad is included now!

“I would also like to thank the supporters, who together make Faversham the best supported club in the League. To them I would ask that they are patient, success will come to the Lane, it's not a question of 'if' but simply 'when'

“I thoroughly enjoyed my season and a half at the club, it's still kind of strange to think that I won't be there on a Wednesday or a Saturday.

Many in his position would be angry and bitter towards the club, Copley, on the other hand is more philosophical about the situation.

"I will, without doubt, be back to watch whoever is playing at the Lane on a Saturday afternoon just as soon as the wife stops lining up visits to IKEA and, who knows maybe one day I might be able to find myself another job at the club.”

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk