Steve Firkins quits bottom side Fisher through family commitments

BELEAGURED Fisher boss Steve Firkins has decided to step down as manager following his side’s 2-0 home defeat to Erith & Belvedere in the Kent Senior Trophy quarter-finals this afternoon.


Erith & Belvedere manager Micky Collins handed a debut to central defender Joe Vines, who quit Ryman League Division One South side Cray Wanderers after being sent-off during their 5-1 defeat away to struggling Thurrock in midweek.

And Collins has persuaded midfield playmaker Simon Osborn out of retirement again to feature at Champion Hill to help the Deres reach the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Trophy, courtesy of goals from Jamie Wood and Richmond Kissi.

Erith & Belvedere will now travel to Tunbridge Wells in the semi-finals, while Deal Town host Lordswood.

Fisher have endured a miserable campaign under Firkins and his assistant Gary Davies this season and are presently at the bottom of the table, with only one win and four draws from sixteen games.

But the club have issued the statement insisting Firkins has stepped down due to family commitments.

“Steve, who has led the Fish since 2011, took the decision to allow him to give his attention to supporting his family through some health concerns,” said the statement, which was published on www.fisherfc.co.uk.

“Fisher FC would like to place on record our sincere gratitude for Steve for the incredible effort he has put in over the last 18 months, which saw Fisher finish last season in our highest position since reforming in 2009.

“Managing a side at this level requires extraordinary dedication and Steve has shown this in abundance.

“We are sorry to see Steve go, but it is entirely right that his family receive his full attention at this time.

“We would like to wish Steve and his family the very best for the future and he will always be welcome at Fisher.”

The statement added: “The club will make an announcement on first team management for the rest of this season in due course.  We are NOT seeking applications at this time.”

Fisher travel to bitter-rivals Beckenham Town next Saturday.  Jason Huntley’s side defeated Firkins’ former club Greenwich Borough 4-3, who now have Billy Walton back in a three-man management team of Gerry Cox and Kris Hollidge, in the Kent League this afternoon.

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