Danny Wakeling quits Bromleians: It was a hard decision because I've really given it my all so walking away was so hard

DANNY WAKELING has dropped a bombshell by resigning after a successful spell in charge of Bromleians.

 

The 43-year-old took charge of the Bromley-based amateur club during the summer of 2016 after the club finished at the bottom of the Kent County League Division Two West table and escaped the drop to the bottom tier of senior non-league football courtesy of a reprieve.

Wakeling celebrated winning back-to-back league titles and leaves the club sitting at the top of the Andreas Carter Kent County League Premier Division table with seven wins out of eight, which is the clubs highest ever league position.

Wakeling has won 43 of his 54 league games in charge of the club, drawing five and losing six, including doing the double over Long Lane in his first season in charge but those results were wiped off the league table after that club withdrew from the League.

Wakeling has been in charge of 64 games in total and smashed the club record win only three weeks ago when Stansfeld were beaten 15-1 in the top-flight of the Kent County League at the John Cooper Ground.

“I would like the dust to settle initially, please, with all due respect to all involved,” said Wakeling.

“I resigned on Tuesday night and kept my counsel until the club wished to release a statement.

“Of course, when these things happen in local football, local social media runs away with itself and understandably my phone is busy as a result of that.  That’s just part of football – even at Step Seven.

“But for now, I’d just like to say a genuine thanks to all of those who have taken the time and contacted me offering congratulations and supportive comments from all across the game from various levels too.  Chairmen, fellow managers, former managers from very respected levels, referees, all people I respect who love the game and some that I’ve only had the pleasure to meet once or twice in very fleeting circumstances as well, which is surprising but equally very pleasant all the same. That says a lot to be fair so thank you”

“I’d currently like nothing more than all the lads still seeking to be involved at the weekend right across the club to play their hearts out as they have done over the last two years in the main.

“They’ve been absolutely way above immense for two years and I’m fiercely proud of them all for what they’ve done and how they’ve conducted themselves and the honours they’ve achieved along the way.

“They’re a very special set of players but more importantly they’re fantastic men, fathers, people.  Such is my regard and level of respect for those players, I’ve formed an incredibly and absolutely authentic bond with.  I genuinely wouldn’t want anything said to disturb any of them whatsoever with the games ahead this weekend.  I’m sure you and many others that know me will fully understand.”

Wakeling revealed he hasn’t left the club to join another.  There is one current vacancy at Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club Croydon after their manager Craig Davies left earlier on in the week after losing his first seven league games in charge, which leaves the club at the bottom of the table.

Croydon should get in contact Wakeling to see if he’d be interested in taking over at Croydon Sports Arena as the Beckenham based Wakeling has the best managerial record over two seasons than anyone else in the area.

“I’d love an opportunity like that but I haven’t resigned with anything in place,” revealed Wakeling.

“It was a hard decision as I’ve really given it my all football wise.  I returned to that level to re-prove myself, so walking away was so hard.  The players wanted me to stay, win another league and walk away as a unit.”

A club statement said: “We have regrettably accepted the resignation of manager Dan Wakeling.  We thank Dan for all he has done over the last two years and wish him all the best in his future footballing endeavours.

“We now begin the search for a new manager and support staff.  Please direct inquiries to the club email address bromleiansfc@gmail.com.”

Bromleians, who are level on 21 points with Staplehurst Monarchs United in the Premier Division table, are next in action on Saturday when Peckham Town are the vistiors.

Visit Bromleians website: www.bromleiansfc.co.uk