Ebbsfleet United have confirmed that boss Kevin Watson is to depart at the end of May, with the club sitting in the relegation zone.
Kevin joined the non league side as assistant to Garry Hill in October 2019, taking control as interim manager after two matches on Hill’s departure.
CLUB STATEMENT
The club can today confirm that manager Kevin Watson will depart on expiration of his contract at the end of May. We’d like to thank Kevin for all his efforts at #EUFC and wish him the very best for the future. Full statement here: https://t.co/LwCsi6OrxL pic.twitter.com/6igW5hdMXp— Ebbsfleet United FC (@EUFCofficial) May 18, 2020
Well you’ve only won 3 of your last 4.
Incredible . Best wishes for the future.
— talkSPORTDrive (@talkSPORTDrive) May 18, 2020
The club statement continued: “Three wins and two draws from six matches saw Kevin contracted to the role of manager until the end of the season.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Kevin and his staff for their efforts to stabilise the season, achieving 17 points from nine matches leading into the lockdown and eventual cancellation of the season.
“Kevin was appointed to the role under difficult circumstances and after a poor start to the season. The club would like to thank him for stepping in and stabilising results in the New Year prior to the premature end to the season the global coronavirus pandemic necessitated.
“The club wishes Kevin all the best in the future and are grateful for his efforts during his tenure here at Ebbsfleet United FC.
“Director of football Steve Lovell continues to oversee recruitment and retention. The club will provide an update on the future football performance structure in due course.”
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | Barrow | 37 | 21 | 7 | 9 | 68 | 39 | 29 | 70 |
| 2 | Harrogate | 37 | 19 | 9 | 9 | 61 | 44 | 17 | 66 |
| 3 | Notts Co | 38 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 57 | 38 | 19 | 61 |
| 4 | Yeovil | 37 | 17 | 9 | 11 | 61 | 44 | 17 | 60 |
| 5 | Boreham Wood | 37 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 55 | 40 | 15 | 60 |
| 6 | Halifax | 37 | 17 | 8 | 12 | 50 | 48 | 2 | 59 |
| 7 | Stockport | 39 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 49 | 53 | -4 | 56 |
| 8 | Solihull | 38 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 48 | 37 | 11 | 55 |
| 9 | Hartlepool | 39 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 55 | 49 | 6 | 55 |
| 10 | Woking | 38 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 50 | 55 | -5 | 55 |
| 11 | Barnet | 35 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 52 | 42 | 10 | 54 |
| 12 | Dover | 38 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 48 | 48 | 0 | 54 |
| 13 | Bromley | 38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 57 | 52 | 5 | 52 |
| 14 | Sutton | 38 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 46 | 41 | 5 | 50 |
| 15 | Torquay | 36 | 14 | 6 | 16 | 56 | 61 | -5 | 48 |
| 16 | Eastleigh | 37 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 43 | 51 | -8 | 47 |
| 17 | Aldershot | 39 | 12 | 11 | 16 | 43 | 54 | -11 | 47 |
| 18 | Dagenham | 37 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 40 | 44 | -4 | 44 |
| 19 | Chesterfield | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 54 | 64 | -10 | 44 |
| 20 | Wrexham | 37 | 11 | 10 | 16 | 46 | 49 | -3 | 43 |
| 21 | Maidenhead | 38 | 12 | 6 | 20 | 43 | 56 | -13 | 42 |
| 22 | Ebbsfleet | 39 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 46 | 68 | -22 | 40 |
| 23 | AFC Fylde | 37 | 8 | 13 | 16 | 43 | 60 | -17 | 37 |
| 24 | Chorley | 38 | 4 | 14 | 20 | 31 | 65 | -34 | 26 |
Fans reacted after Ebbsfleet reveal their boss is to depart at the end of May, and they’re not happy one bit…
Such a shame. Getting ridiculous now
— Ben bissett (@12bissett) May 18, 2020
Absolute joke of a decision. We are a laughing stock after what @kevwatson74 achieved the guy deserved a full season
— Steve Boem (@fleetboy14) May 18, 2020
I’m absolutely gutted for @kevwatson74 I thought he may of been given a fair crack at a longer spell as manager! Hey ho that’s football for you ?
— Obes (@ian_obee) May 18, 2020
Bit surprised at that to say the least ??
— trevor knell (@trevk37) May 18, 2020
Don’t like to see anyone lose their job
But this is the correct decision— Paul McCarthy (@PaulMccarthyp60) May 18, 2020
Er Steve Lovell most likely
— Steve Boem (@fleetboy14) May 18, 2020
Bloke has performed miracles. That makes no sense not to offer him a better contract.
— Gary Peace (@HempsteadGaz) May 18, 2020
STEEEEEEEVE LOVELL IN, DONT MESS IT UP
— Joe Field (@joe_field3) May 18, 2020
Well ebbsfleet are in trouble now god damn it fleet stop this nonsense. Bring back liam daish
— Natasha Lee (@NatashaDrwhofan) May 18, 2020
Do I still own a share of Ebbsfleet? I didn’t vote on this ☠️
— The 53rd State (@the53rdState) May 18, 2020
— Dale Clarkson (@comeonthedc) May 18, 2020
Sack the board now. Start of the season got rid of 15 players who got us 7th then a crap manger and players go us bottom. Now a manger who keeped us alive and the fans.backing . We becomimg a joke
— Karl nicholas (@Karlnicholas2) May 18, 2020
Did such a good job towards the end of the season… how he didnt get rewarding with a chance to build his own team and a whole season is beyond anyone… mad.
— Adam Sparks (@ZeroGAdam_) May 18, 2020
Thanks Phil. So would I have ? https://t.co/ARP1F3wQ15
— Kevin Watson (@kevwatson74) May 18, 2020
@kevwatson74 so sorry to see you go Kevin you worked your heart off for the club infant believe they did this to you.
— Nath wyatt (@Nath_wyatt13) May 18, 2020
Cheers Jord. Keep going mate and good luck ⚽️? https://t.co/Z9gulNDSHQ
— Kevin Watson (@kevwatson74) May 18, 2020
Thanks Rob, appreciate that mate ? https://t.co/MjR4lWyyGE
— Kevin Watson (@kevwatson74) May 18, 2020
I’m devastated and shocked. You’ve done a great job, thank you
— Katie Burgess (@kittykatkent) May 18, 2020
— Kevin Watson (@kevwatson74) May 18, 2020
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