East Grinstead Town part company with manager Tony Reid in light of their disappointing start to the season

EAST GRINSTEAD Town have parted company with manager Tony Reid, on the eve of their home game against Ramsgate.

 

The Wasps suffered a 4-1 defeat to VCD Athletic in Reid’s final game in charge of the club last Saturday.

Chairman Richard Tramontin said in a statement: “The committee met this week in the light of our disappointing start to the season and, after a lot of discussion, decided that a change in direction was needed.

“I’d like to thank Tony and his coaching staff for their hard work over the last few months, We’re all disappointed that it hasn’t worked out and I’d like to wish Tony all the best for the future.”

Senior player, left-back Drew Cooney, will take charge for the visit of Matt Longhurst’s side tomorrow.

Ramsgate arrive at College Lane in fifth-place in the Isthmian League South East Division table and came away from Herne Bay with a hard-working performance in a 3-1 win at Winch’s Field on Tuesday night.

“Drew has agreed to step in and lead the team on Saturday, after which we will review the situation,” added the Wasps’ chairman.

“I would ask our supporters to get behind Drew and the team for what is an important game.”

East Grinstead Town are in the bottom four in the table with two wins and three draws from their opening 11 league games.

Burgess Hill Town are in the relegation play-off zone with eight points from nine games while Whitstable Town (five points from 11 games) and Phoenix Sports (four points from 11 games) are in the drop zone.

Keith McMahon has lost three of his six games (in all competitions) since taking over from Lloyd Blackman at The Belmont, while Steve O’Boyle returns to the Phoenix Sports dug-out tomorrow, for their home clash against midtable side Whitehawk, replacing Paul Bryon after suffering 11 straight defeats in all competitions.

O'Boyle has announced today that Phil Legg, Grant Spelling, Ben Kotey and Danny Kemp have all returned to the club to form his management team.