Hungerford manager to step down

It has been revealed that Hungerford manager Ian Herring has chosen to step down after discussions over a new contract for next season.

It comes with the club finishing the 2019/20 season bottom of the National League South table,taking 28 points from 33 games.

The club statement read: “Our manager Ian Herring has decided to step down after discussions over a new contract for next season.

“It has been no secret that the club needed to reduce its budget significantly and it couldn’t give Ian certain assurances he was seeking.

“He performed miracles in the last two seasons by keeping them in the NLS and the club wishes him well in his future football career and he will always be warmly welcome at Bulpit lane. He has spoken with his players and the search for a new manager starts now and hopefully we can retain a few members of the current squad subject to negotiations. I want to personally thank Ian for his dedication to the role and it was he that persuaded me to get involved at the back end of last season. It is my opinion that there will be a major adjustment to player and coaching budgets across the lower leagues after the current crisis ends. Currently we dont even know when we can start preparations for the new season, but we do know that will be in the NLS.

“Ian took over in difficult circumstances after Bobby Wilkinson left the club and our fans loved his determination and spirit and he was adamant he would again escape relegation this season. I sincerely hope he gets the opportunity to move on with his progressive management style in the very near future.”

Ian also took to social media to speak out on his decision…

Thank you for everything @HungerfordTown and most importantly @HTFC_Supporters I’ll attach some of my favourite memories ❤️⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/DSsBP6gBHD

— Ian Herring (@IanHerring21) April 30, 2020

This is how the league table looked when the league was suspended in March…
(PLD – W – D – L – F – A – GD – PTS)

Fans reacted to the news that the Hungerford manager is to step down…

No real surprise as the club already were in financial problems before the virus. I think the budget was cut by half during the season so you’d assume it would be cut even further which would make the job extremely difficult.

— Glen Riley (@GlenSTFC) April 29, 2020

So sad to see spud go, thank you for everything you’ve done for the club, always had time for the fans win loose or draw, thank you, all the best on your next journey, thank you spud

— JordiColes (@Ezii_EU) April 29, 2020

He should of been manager of the year last season in the NLS with keeping you up. Would love to see him as Weston manager down the line at some point. Good luck Ian

— Rhys Gregory (@RhysGregory94) April 29, 2020

Sad to see spud leave did so much for the team and always had time for fans after the games no matter the result. Wish him all the best and hopefully he can come back and have a role at the club again

— Nathan (@OriginalNC) April 29, 2020

Put 110% into everything HTFC related. Huge loss for the club

— Gulley (@RobertoGulley) April 29, 2020

A little something put together last season as @HungerfordTown fought against relegation for a second consecutive season – Ian good luck Sir, was a pleasure working with you @IanHerring21 https://t.co/ivHn4Hwn7P

— Bernard Kasparas (@Bkasparas) April 29, 2020

Sorry to see you go @IanHerring21. Thank you for all your efforts in helping @HungerfordTown punch above our weight. Good luck to you and your family for the future ??

— Gavin Davis (@gavindavis41) April 30, 2020

Sorry to see @IanHerring21 go – always gave it his all. Hope he has success at whatever he does next

— Nik Mason (@niko_mason) April 29, 2020

Devastating news ?

— Gary Rees (@gazza2217) April 29, 2020