I haven't thrown the towel in or left a sinking ship, says Joe Francis

JOE FRANCIS has explained the reasons behind his departure after twelve years at his beloved Cray Wanderers.

The Wands are rooted to the foot of the Ryman Premier League table after collecting four points from their opening nine games – but conceding 35 league goals is more of a concern.

Budget cuts have seen the loss of some key players in recent weeks and speculation is rife that striker Leigh Bremner has also left the club during the past week.

Ben Frempah, 18, previously with Charlton Athletic, Welling United and Fisher, has signed a professional contract with Championship club Leicester City.

The central defender becomes the third first-team player to leave the club to become a professional, following in the footsteps of Sam Wood and George Porter.

Assistant manager Francis insists he hasn’t left a sinking ship and issued a statement on the club’s website to explain why he has left the Hayes Lane based club.

“I think it’s fair to comment on my departure from my beloved Wanderers,” he wrote.

“I needed a week to just take a breath which was a really tough decision for me. My decision was not influenced by anything other than a change in my personal circumstances.  I have a growing family, a very demanding job (with Charlton Athletic Football Club) and a wife I haven’t seen much of since we married four years ago.

“I haven’t had a row or fell out with Jenks (manager Ian Jenkins) or Gary (Hillman, the chairman).

“I haven’t thrown the towel in or left a sinking ship. I simply couldn’t commit to the demands of my role as coach. I was finding it very difficult to get to training regularly and this is what I loved the most – the chance to work with the players.  That left me feeling as though I was letting Jenks and Paul (Blade) down and as a result the players too.

“Having been with Jenks and Gary for 12 years and enjoyed such great success I had to be honest with them both.

“Admittedly, since last Christmas our form as a team has been poor and I think if we were brutally honest as a management team we would say that we could have and should have done better.

“Nonetheless, you’ll never see a more close-knit bunch who love the club.

“It still intrigues me that assumptions are made as to what reward we get from working with Cray for all this time – it’s ONLY ever been about the willingness to try and succeed, never about earning ANY money.

“Gary Hillman always supported Jenks and me (and now Paul) because he knew that we did the job because of those reasons. That’s how we created something special. The times Jenks and I have had to listen to other managers moaning and groaning that they only got X amount – we just used to shrug our shoulders and say ‘we do it for the love mate’.

“In terms of where do we go from here? I can understand supporters’ pessimism but that will never get you anywhere eh?

“If you are a true supporter you keep going, there is only ever one option isn’t there? Keep going, try to be positive, work harder, keep trying to attract new players, see what gels, keep the faith.

“Let me tell you all, no three people will work harder for the club than Gary, Jenks and Paul.

“I want you all to remember that I loved every minute of the 12 years I spent with the Wanderers. It was a massive part of my life and I will always be a Wanderer in my heart.

“I will continue to help Jenks with attracting players wherever I can and I look forward to being at Hayes Lane soon.

“Thanks for the memories everyone.”

Cray Wanderers travel to East Thurrock United tomorrow.  The Essex side are in fourteenth-place in the Ryman Premier League table, with 11 points from nine games.

Speculation about the club has been rife during the past week so this website contacted chairman Gary Hillman on Thursday morning to request a statement to keep the club’s small band of supporters’ in the picture.

He replied: “Keep an eye out on the website, there will be a statement on there in the next 24 hours.”

As off 22:00 on Friday, the club have yet published a statement.

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/craywands