Danny Kedwell: My time at Cray Wanderers has come to an end

CRAY WANDERERS have parted company with manager Danny Kedwell by mutual consent after only 24 games in charge of the struggling Isthmian League Premier Division club.

The 38-year-old, who works for National League South side Ebbsfleet United in their Academy, took over from Tony Russell after he left the club on 25 March to manage their league rivals Lewes.

That left Kedwell to rebuild a squad for this season and results have seen the club struggle.

Cray Wanderers lost 3-2 at home to Margate yesterday and that leaves the club in the bottom two, having won four and drawn three of their 19 league games.

Cray Wanderers are two points adrift of the side immediately above them in the pecking order, East Thurrock United, with two games in hand, and three points clear of bottom side Leatherhead, who have played a couple more games.

“Cray Wanderers FC have parted company with Danny Kedwell by mutual consent,” said a club statement.

“We thank Danny for his hard work and commitment in his time with the club and wish him all the best for the future.

“Applications for the first team manager’s position can be sent to craywanderersfc@gmail.com.”

Kedwell added on his Twitter account: “My time at Cray Wanderers has come to an end.  Gutted it’s come this soon. I had to build a whole squad from scratch and I’m proud of that.

“I’d like to thank all my staff from the beginning to the end. I’ve learned a lot in a very difficult start to managing and thank Cray for the opportunity.”

Kedwell thanked his players and wished them all the best, adding, “It’s been a pleasure – my boots are coming back out.”

Kedwell started his short reign at Hayes Lane with back-to-back league wins over Russell’s side Lewes (3-1) on the opening day of the season, before beating Hornchurch 2-1 away from home.

Cray Wanderers then lost their next seven games, including losing to lower-league side Sutton Common Rovers 3-1 at home in The FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

However, it was The FA Trophy where the club enjoyed their longest ever run, beating King’s Langley (4-1), Bedfont Sports (2-1), Ebbsfleet United (5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Hayes Lane), before losing to National League South leaders Dartford 3-1 at home in the Third Round.

Striker Kedwell, who lives in Gillingham, won six of his 24 games in charge of the club in all competitions, drew four and lost 14 games.

The club have not stated who will be in charge of their must-win relegation six-pointer away to East Thurrock United on Saturday 1 January 2022.

The Wands travel to Essex on the back of three straight defeats and defeat to Jay Saunders’ Margate has seen Kedwell’s first managerial job come to an end after being unveiled Cray Wanderers’ manager on 10 April 2021.

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