It was announced following yesterday’s Bank Holiday Monday fixtures that the managers of Sutton United and Havant & Waterlooville have departed.
Sutton United boss Paul Doswell resigned due to personal reasons after 11 years in charge.
After taking a break from the role in March, it was expected he would return in the summer, however that is now not the case.
Club chairman Bruce Elliott said: “How do you begin to pay tribute to Dos’s contribution to Sutton United over the past eleven years? We were at a low ebb when he joined us, when if you had said that we would within ten years be playing clubs such as Leyton Orient, Hartlepool and Tranmere as equals you would probably have been laughed at, but it has been an unforgettable ride, including two league championships, our highest ever league placing and, of course, an experience in the FA Cup the like of which we have never seen before and may never see again. Together with fulfilling his vision of having a pitch where the clubs’ teams could all play, and which could be opened to the community, he leaves the club in a position that was barely conceivable when he took over. His enthusiasm and commitment to Sutton United has been remarkable, and he has pulled everyone at the club along with him in his desire to be the best that we can beat our level . We are very sad that he has made this decision, but fully understand his reasons for doing so and wish him and his family, which we know is so important to him, every happiness in the future, although we hope we will still see him, and them, at a club where they will always be welcome.”
Paul said: “I’ve taken the hardest decision in my life to leave Sutton United at this time and it’s been extremely difficult to make, but ultimately after eleven years of travelling two hours there and back sometimes four times a week it’s become impossible for me to keep going. It’s been the most incredible journey and one I have put my heart and soul into. Why the club became such a huge part of my life was simply down to a magnificent Chairman,Board of Directors and the numerous quite brilliant volunteers and supporters that help make this most unique club what it is. Its core values, and everyone working together, and no one person is more important than any other,is something I’ve never seen at any other football club.
“I will treasure that feeling of togetherness and support and feel immensely proud of what we all achieved together. I am convinced the club has strong and deep foundations to continue its fine progress and the move to being a true community football club will continue to bring rich dividends, and I leave the club very sad but also very proud.”
And here are the thoughts of our Dos as he sits down with @SUFCTV and Tony Dolbear : https://t.co/fLjNqAUf88
— Sutton United FC (@suttonunited) 22 April 2019
Also leaving was Havant & Waterlooville manager Lee Bradbury by mutual consent after just over six years in charge.
Bradbury, a former Oxford United, Portsmouth and Bournemouth striker, to the Hawks to successive promotions in 2017 and 2018.
But only could managed one season in the National League, getting relegated with three games remaining.
The rather short club statement read: “The Hawks and Lee Bradbury can this evening confirm that they have parted company by Mutual Consent.
“Lee has been here for seven years, he is held in the highest esteem by both the board and the majority of fans and he and his family is more than welcome to Westleigh Park.
“The club would like to thank Lee for his hard work and efforts over the past few years and wish him well for the future.”
Havant and Waterlooville Football Club would like to release the following statement regarding first team manager Lee Bradbury #COYHhttps://t.co/tGHuKoBfFT pic.twitter.com/21aMYklLYR
— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) 22 April 2019
This is how the table looks with just one game remaining, then it’s the turn of the playoffs…
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
After both departures were announced within hours of each other yesterday afternoon, fans took to social media to reveal their shock – find out what both sets of supporters had to say on the next page.
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