fbpx
Connect with us

Non League

Hornchurch, Welling and Ebbsfleet confirm managerial changes

Hornchurch, Welling and Ebbsfleet confirm managerial changes with still a lot at stake in an important second half of the season.

We start off with Hornchurch, who a few weeks ago saw manager Steve Morison leave for League Two relegation threatened Sutton United.

He left Hornchurch sitting top of the Isthmian League Premier Division standings, and that is where they remain as new boss Daryl McMahon comes in to try and get them that promotion.

HORNCHURCH STATEMENT:

Hornchurch FC are delighted to announce that after a comprehensive recruitment process, we have asked Daryl McMahon to be our new manager.

The club are very excited about the appointment and following an interview process that took in some highly impressive candidates, Daryl stood out for his professionalism, knowledge of non league football and connections at local professional clubs, we feel he is the perfect choice to take the club forward, secure promotion and assess the current squad so we can start planning for the National League South at the earliest opportunity.

At the age of just 40, Daryl already has an impressive career. He represented the Republic of Ireland Under-16 team at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship. Starting his career as a midfielder at West Ham United, he also spent 3 years at Leyton Orient winning promotion in 2006. He then spent two seasons at Stevenage Borough winning the FA Trophy. He also spent time playing for Cambridge United, Notts County, Eastleigh and Boreham wood amongst others before he moved to Ebbsfleet United in 2013. He rejoined Boreham Wood in 2015 before returning to Ebbsfleet as manager three months later.

He managed Ebbsfleet from 2015 to 2018 and won promotion out of the National League South play-offs in 2017. He was appointed as manager of English Football League side Macclesfield Town in 2019 but resigned in 2020 amidst a financial crisis at the club that saw the players and management staff not paid for long periods following problems with HMRC. He then took charge at National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, remaining at the club until February 2023.

Hornchurch Chairman Alex Sharp commented: “Steve Morison made an instant impact at the club in the short time he was here so it was important that we took our time in our search for a new manager.

“We were incredibly impressed with the Managers who applied for the position and it’s fair to say that any of the candidates we interviewed could have done a job for us, but Daryl stood out, his impressive experience and knowledge of the National League set up was a big factor in our decision, his philosophy on training and style of play and his desire to win and secure promotion at the earliest opportunity was key for us.

“Daryl wanted to ensure our ambition met his own and that our desire for progress didn’t stop at promotion to the National League South. His knowledge of this level, connections with local clubs both in the National Leagues and the EFL was important for us and the fact that as a successful 40 year old, who looks like he could still be playing, he already has 9 years of management experience and has the highly experienced Steve Gritt alongside him as his advisor and assistant, we think is a winning combination that will excite the fans and deliver long term success on and off the pitch.

“Daryl will be keeping Lewwis, Jamie and Kyri on as part of his management team for the rest of the season and I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to them for steadying the ship when Steve departed and for demonstrating time and time again their undying commitment to this club, we are very lucky to have them. Colin McBride will return to his role as Vice Chairman and Director of Football and I will admit, I have missed watching games with him, so another reason for me to be happy!

“I hope you will join me in welcoming Daryl and Steve to the club, we look forward to a long and successful future under your management and I’m truly delighted you’ve decided to join us at this exciting time in our history! COYU’s!!“

Daryl McMahon commented: “Both Steve and I are delighted to be joining the club at a very exciting time. It was great to sit down with Alex, Colin and the rest of the board to discuss the exciting and ambitious plans for the football club. The team has had an excellent season so far and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the current staff and players in trying to win promotion to the National League South. See you all soon “

Daryl’s first game in charge will our home game with Cheshunt on Saturday, however he will be at the match tomorrow [Tuesday] evening at Folkestone Invicta to meet the players after the game.

Meanwhile, Welling United have quickly found a replacement for Danny Bloor, who was sacked by the club on Sunday, and 24 hours later, brought in Rod Stringer.

Welling currently sit 22nd in the National League South with 24 points from 28 games played and 7 points from safety.

WELLING STATEMENT:

Welling United can confirm that Danny Bloor has left the club with immediate effect after being relieved of his duties as First-Team Manager.

The club wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude for Danny and his team’s efforts this season.

However, despite the win on Saturday, due to the team’s league position and recent league form being as it has been, the board have made the decision to change the management while there is still sufficient time in the season left for the required points to be obtained to, hopefully, secure National League South survival.

Welling United are pleased to welcome Rod Stringer as the club’s new First-Team Manager.

The 56-year old arrives at the J Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium with a wealth of experience under his belt and a proven track record of success in non-League football.

His first experience in the dugout saw him lead Aveley to the Isthmian Division One North title in 2009, before moving on to Braintree Town where he achieved a second promotion, taking the Iron to the National League by being crowned National League South champions in 2011.

Stringer then moved on to Bishop’s Stortford, steadying the ship at Woodside Park over a five-year period.

In 2016, he made the move to Chelmsford City where he led the Clarets to three National League South play-off campaigns prior to his departure in 2020.

Following the pandemic, Stringer was named Brentwood Town boss in October 2021, leading them to the Isthmian Division One North play-off final before departing in February 2023.

He now arrives in DA16 to lead the Wings in their battle against the drop.

Meanwhile, Stringer will be assisted by former Tottenham Hotspur, Rotherham United and Colchester United midfielder Kevin Watson.

Watson enjoyed a seasoned career representing 10 clubs across the Premier League and EFL, wracking up over 400 appearances, while his managerial career has seen him take charge of Maldon & Tiptree, Bishop’s Stortford, Ebbsfleet United and Billericay Town, as well as spells as assistant at Stevenage, Eastleigh, Whitehawk and Hungerford Town.

Stringer and Watson will be in the dugout for the first time on Tuesday evening as Welling host Hampton & Richmond Borough at the J Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium.

And another exit confirmed came at National League side Ebbsfleet United, who currently sit 21st in the table with 30 points from 31 games played, on the same points as 20th place Woking but they have some games in hand.

EBBSFLEET STATEMENT:

Ebbsfleet United have today announced the decision to part company with manager Dennis Kutrieb and first-team coach Chris Franks.

The difficult decision comes following the defeat on Saturday to Oxford City – and heading into a crucial final three months of the Vanarama National League campaign, the club’s number-one priority is to maintain our status in the division after the memorable title win and promotion that Dennis and Chris delivered in 2022/23.

Such decisions are never easy to make, especially off the back of such a remarkable and record-breaking previous season, but the status of the football club must always take priority and be foremost when making these big decisions.

Unfortunately, our form and results in 2023/24 have not reflected the sheer hard work and determination with which Dennis and Chris have approached every single minute of their time at Ebbsfleet United and the club has reached the difficult decision to part ways.

Under the stewardship of Dennis and Chris, the club won its fifth league title, broke numerous records in doing so, reached the Emirates FA Cup First and Second Rounds, qualified for a promotion final and earned plaudits for the type of football on show – we cannot thank them enough for their service in their three-plus years at the Kuflink Stadium and we wish them all the very best in their future careers.

Twitter users gave their reaction as Hornchurch, Welling and Ebbsfleet confirm managerial changes…

ON HORNCHURCH:

@BaileyH04019330: We’ve got super daryl mcmahon 🥳🎶

@hyamzy1: How the mighty have fallen

@JoshKench1: You will concede from every set piece

@StainerDavid: Welcome to the club Daryl!

@jpkent29: Great appointment

@ChrisSearch6: Unreal 👏

@Dazzarogers: See you next season, Daryl

@marowe1988: Ermmm…. obviously not going back to ebbsfleet then! Suppose as we rumour have it are still paying him he can happily take the role and be conf south next season.

@ConnorDrfc: The main concerns for hornchurch would be he loves to attack and seems to forget about defending and apart from signing Saunders he’s always signed players he knows/well known players not sure he’s recruitment knowledge is right for them but time will tell, good luck Daryl

@Diggerthedog1: His knowledge of local football clubs made me laugh, anyone he signed was already a name or his previous player/pal. He had zero impact bringing a player through for us and also signed some shockers. Surely he can’t balls up that promotion, no doubt we will see him next season

@OffTheLineBlog: You can’t fault the ambition. Daryl McMahon has experience of the NL + in the #EFL. Known for playing an attacking brand, but I do have concerns over the defensive side. During his time @ #COYD, it was pure kamikaze, ‘Boom or Bust’ stuff. Intrigued to see how it goes.

ON WELLING:

@cdwallis: A disgraceful appointment, not because of who is but because of who appointed him-against the wishes of the fans. He’s not even a director or shareholder. A total disgrace.

@alanmoore02: It’s been a difficult few days for us fans for reasons well documented, but we are loyal to our players and manager whoever they may be. We will always support the team and drive them on starting again tomorrow evening, so welcome Rod @rod_stringer

@SteveLeys10: Great appointments in @rod_stringer and @kevwatson74 all but guaranteed safety with those guys and their passion for the game is second to none. Watch the youth players flourish too 💯

@AFCPickett0712: Well what a shock this is, I’m massively against the way it ended for Bloor, but this man needs to keep this football club up. For me, going down is a massive problem. I don’t think we would return to the NLS anytime soon if it was to happen. Points needed from the get go.

@CaeKx: Welcome Rod. Got a big challenge on your hands over the coming weeks but from what I’ve read you have good experience so let’s see! COYW ❤️

@_jakewright_05: No one is pleased. Ruining our club more and more every day. #fansnotflats

@DavidHomer3: Long extensive search over I see….

@justjaymo: Not sure about the pleased bit, could of just financially backed the manager we had…

@GMixture: You have a hell of a manager there, Wings fans. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I’d have run through walls for him. He’ll ruffle feathers (he’s as far away from a ‘yes man’ as it’s possible to be), galvanise the fanbase, and he might even win a few games for you.

@mhooper948: A very good appointment. Not just in Rod, but with Kevin too, we have a solid management team. Still, it is absolutely disgraceful the manner in which it has happened and my thoughts remain exactly the same. With the current ownership in place, we are doomed. #fansnotflats

ON EBBSFLEET:

@WeeJimmyLogie: Shame but the right decision. Not going to dance on his grave like some who will have sucked up to him last season then did a u-turn this. But football is cruel and changes ever so quickly.

@RichCheeseman: Gutted. But makes sense. Thanks for everything. I actually think, higher up the pyramid and more cash the style may work and he could go far…

@philreeves08: Thanks to Dennis for the memories we had last season. It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out the way we wanted this year but a fresh set of ideas was 100% needed! The decision over his replacement could make or break the side

@ebbsqueen: It’s always extremely difficult, when hard decisions need to be made. Sadly football is all about results and we just haven’t had enough in the positive column. Thank you Dennis and Chris, may I wish you both all the very best. It’s mostly been awesome.

@DaveHar37276617: Best wishes DK, had some good times, fair play to sticking to his principles about the style of football he wanted to play, undoubtedly that’s what’s cost him

@johnnythepod: Lets hope an experienced head arrives to save whats left of the season

@Micky_Mackney: Correct decision! Been unreal for the club but everything comes to an end! This season hasn’t been good enough

@MarkAEverson: Such a shame, but it was starting to feel inevitable. I’m not going to re-write history as some will do. Last season was magnificent, and in no small part because of the style of football he was committed to. But when results are poor, confidence is low, that style doesn’t work.

@MColechin: Really enjoyed the football under Dennis and he gave us some great results and promotion. He has to be remembered as one of our great managers. Tough decision which is hopefully proved correct if we stay up. whoever comes in inherits cracking players and time to turn it around

@gray_nige: Well overdue! Did superb job up until this season and many thanx for all the amazing times he presided over. But was clearly out of his depth this season and only hope not too late! Be interesting to see who’s appointed but needs to be quick.

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Non League