We will not be leaving the Wands to join a new club in the immediacy, we are leaving to take a short break before looking for our next challenge, says Tony Russell

CRAY WANDERERS begin the search for a new management team after the shock departure of Tony Russell and his assistant manager Joe Vines.

 

This news comes hours after their landlords Bromley announced the shock parting of ways of Neil Smith, who had guided his home-town club to seventh-place in the Vanarama National League table upon his departure.

However, in this statement issued by Russell, he has confirmed that the pair are “not leaving the Wands to join a new club in the immediacy,” therefore ruling out their first foray into full-time football management.

“After seven successful seasons I have made the decision to part company with Cray Wanderers,” Russell said on his Twitter account.

“During that time we have had heartbreak, near-misses and play-off defeats followed by a three-year period that saw the club achieve feats it has never done before in its 160-year history, including the momentous (Isthmian League South East Division) league title done in such a convincing fashion.

“The memories and the people will remain and the friendships and relationships will never be forgotten.

“Thank you to the loyal supporters, the backroom staff, the committee, the owners, chairman and, always the most important, the players'.

“Without the players' we could never achieve a thing in football. A more honest and loyal group of players you will never ever find.  I hope we did you proud and repaid that loyalty.

“We will not be leaving the Wands to join a new club in the immediacy, we are leaving to take a short break before looking for our next challenge.

“We exit the stage with a heavy heart but with a great deal of satisfaction knowing we leave the club in a better place than we found it on the pitch.

“I really hope the club can achieve the plans they have off-the-pitch and look forward to leaving the stadium at Flamingo Park when it is completed.”

Cray Wanderers were in seventh-place in the Isthmian League Premier Division table with 15 points from their seven league outings - six points behind leaders Worthing - before the 2020-21 campaign was curtailed due to the coronavirus health pandemic.

The club are now looking to appoint a new first-team manager in good time to prepare for the 2021-22 season.

To register your interest in this role, please email sam.wright@cray-wanderers.com with a brief history of your football management experience included.

Visit Cray Wanderers website:  www.cray-wanderers.com