Dulwich Hamlet part company with Paul Barnes after extending winless run to 10 games

DULWICH HAMLET have parted company with Paul Barnes after 31 games in charge at Champion Hill.

The Hamlet sit in nineteenth-place (bottom six) in the Vanarama National League South table, having picked up 32 points (nine wins, five draws) from their 33 (of 46) games.

The club are only two points clear of the relegation zone, which contains Chippenham Town (30 points from 31 games), Weymouth (28 points from 32 games), Hungerford Town (27 points from 32 games) and Concord Rangers (27 points from 29 games).

Dulwich Hamlet suffered a 2-0 defeat at Hampton & Richmond Borough at the weekend, which extended the clubs winless run to 10 games.

“Dulwich Hamlet Football Club can confirm that Paul Barnes has departed his position as first team manager following lengthy discissions about the current direction of the team’s fortunes and the longer term projects at the club,” said a club statement.

“Paul joined the club in September 2022 and was instrumental in stabilising the club in the National League South during a difficult transition period following the departure of the previous management team.

“We would like to thank Paul and his backroom staff for their efforts during their time with the club and will remember with admiration the turnaround in results an the unbeaten run throughout December and early January under Paul and his staff.

“We hope to revisit the original discussions with Paul about the longer term development of the club both on and off the pitch that first attracted us to working with him and hope that all fans join us in recognising the contribution of Paul stepping up and placing those original plans on hold to address the immediate priorities of the first team finishing themselves in the relegation positions.

“The process of appointing a new manager is underway and we will continue to keep supporters up to date throughout the coming days.”

The Hamlet won 11, drew three and lost 17 games in all competitions of Barnes’ spell in charge at Champion Hill.

Dulwich Hamlet are at home to ninth-placed St Albans City on Saturday (15:00).

Visit Dulwich Hamlet’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dulwichhamlet