Just hope we can keep the boys together and win something, says Bridon Ropes caretaker Kris Hollidge

BRIDON ROPES have confirmed the departure of manager Ben Kotey and his assistants Martin West and Danny Frost.

The trio quit the Charlton-based club last night following an alleged disagreement over players being asked to pay weekly subs.

A statement was posted on the clubs official twitter feed today.

“We would like to thank them all for their services over the last few years and wish them all the best for the future.”

However, when probed about the reasons behind their departure, the club added: ”Club finances apparently.  Trying to get the players’ to pay £10 a game again.

“The players’ were told at the beginning of the season all they had to pay was a £50 signing on fee.”

The club confirmed that first team players Jimmy Doherty and Kris Hollidge will take charge of first team affairs for the foreseeable future.

However, defender Hollidge, 32, who has played for a number of clubs around the Kent non-league circuit, admitted he has been left in the dark.

“I’d rather get the weekend out of the way as we aren’t sure what’s happening moving forward, it it’s just Saturday or until the end of the season,” said Hollidge, a PE teacher at Forest Hill and mentor to elite athletes and an UEFA B Licenced football coach.

Hollidge added: “Still a little saddened the gaffer and assistants decided to leave last night but totally understand their reason.

“Just hope we can keep the boys together and win something for Ben Kotey, been a pleasure playing for him.”

Bridon Ropes are in tenth-place (bottom six) in the Kent Invicta League table with six wins and three draws from fourteen league games.
 
Ropes' under 21 side will play on the artificial pitch at Thamesmead Town’s Bayliss Avenue on Friday (7:30pm), playing league leaders Seven Acre & Sidcup in the NRG Gyms Under 21 League.

They then face Kent Football United in the London Senior Trophy on Saturday.