Martin Ford quits Fisher to take charge of Erith & Belvedere with Chris Cosgrove

FISHER confirmed that Billy Walton will be in sole charge of the side next season after confirming that Martin Ford has left the club tonight.


 
Ford and Chris Cosgrove have been unveiled as the new co-managers of Erith & Belvedere, who will be playing Ryman League Division One North football for the first time next season.

The Deres won the Kent League double this season but manager Micky Collins, 42, and his entire management team quit the club only 12 days after beating Corinthian to win the Kent League Cup.

Ford teamed up with Walton at the end of January 2013 when Fisher were rooted to the foot of the Kent League table with only one win and four draws from their opening sixteen league games.

But since taking charge the former VCD Athletic boss stamped his authority on the club and their 2-1 smash-and-grab win at bitter-rivals Beckenham Town on the last day of their season was their sixth win in sixteen games under the new management team, which also contained former Crockenhill boss Keith Jarvis.

The Fish completed their 32-match campaign in the bottom four, however, having collected 7 wins and 7 draws.

Cosgrove, meanwhile, left Erith & Belvedere in July 2009, before hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons in his personal life in September of that year.

The new Erith & Belvedere management team will meet their players at Park View Road on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, a Fisher statement added: “We’re disappointed but understand and respect Martin’s decision to take up an excellent opportunity. We wish Martin all the best.

“Fisher’s pre-season preparation under Billy Walton is well underway.”

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.co.uk