Chairman regains control over team affairs as Croydon "need to take a new direction"

Monday 04th September 2006

Croydon won their first game as a Kent League club on Saturday, beating Sporting Bengal United by three goals to nil, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Trams, yet to score a goal in three Kent League outings, got their League Cup Group C campaign off to a good start, in front of just 35 paying customers at the Croydon Sports Arena.

Following the shock resignations of manager Russell Harmsworth and his assistant Mark Hudson on the eve of the game, the South Norwood club have appointed chairman Dickson Gill, whose no stranger to management, as first team manager.

He will be assisted by Jon Domfe and Sean Sainsburys will take on a coaching role with the Surrey based club.

A statement issued by the club to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today said: “Croydon Football Club regrettably announce that the club has decided to part company with first team manager Russell Harmsworth and his assistant Mark Hudson.

“It was felt that after a disappointing start to the new campaign in the Kent League the club needed to take a new direction and as a result it was necessary to make changes within the playing staff.

“The club would like to thank Russell and Mark for their hard work over the past six months and we wish them well in their future management careers.”

After their trip to Erith Town tonight (Monday), Croydon welcome Thamesmead Town to the Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood on Saturday (3pm).