It is a really tough one to take as we have both been at Stansfeld since we were in our late teens and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved, says Jamie Phipps

JAMIE PHIPPS says leaving Stansfeld came as a surprise and is a tough one to take – especially after a glorious past two seasons and leading the club to their highest ever finish.

The Bermondsey outfit announced the shock departure of joint-managers Phipps and Billy Hamlin this morning, despite the club finishing in ninth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division at the end of their first season playing in the ninth-tier of English football.

The pair guided the club to the Southern Counties East Football League First Division title for the first time just 12 months earlier.

Phipps and Hamlin all achieved this success without a playing budget or without a home ground to call home, playing their home games in Chislehurst at league rivals Glebe.

“Billy and I were totally surprised when we were told that we were leaving the club,” said Phipps.

“After the last two seasons we have had, winning the First Division title and getting to the fifth round of The FA Vase and finishing ninth in our first season at Step Five - and all without a penny to spend.

“There were no arguments or falling out with anybody.  The club said they wanted a change so our six-year stay had come to an end.

“It is a really tough one to take as we have both been at the club since we were in our late teens and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved and we cannot speak highly enough of the group of players that we have had, especially when some of them could have left when other club’s came in and offered them decent money but they chose to stay.

“As for what the future holds, that’s a tough one to answer as someone has to want us for us to get back in the game but we will see what happens over the coming weeks.

“Billy and I wish the team well in the coming season and we know we will still meet with the boys and have a beer as above all else we are mates and nothing can change that.”

A club statement added: “The Stansfeld committee would like to place on record their thanks for all their efforts and commitment over the last six seasons.  We wish both Billy and Jamie all the best in the future.”