Ebbsfleet United to part company with boss Kevin Watson once his contract expires at Stonebridge Road

EBBSFLEET UNITED have confirmed that manager Kevin Watson will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of this month.

 

Watson joined the Stonebridge Road club as assistant to Garry Hill in October 2019, taking control as interim manager after two matches on Hill’s departure.

Three wins and two draws from six matches saw Watson contracted to the role of manager until the end of the season.

The Fleet were in the relegation zone in the Vanarama National League table with 40 points from their 39 games at the time of the coronavirus crisis bringing football to a halt, although there were green shoots of recovery that the club could have climbed out of the relegation zone.

A club statement said: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Kevin and his staff for their efforts to stabilise the season, achieving 17 points from nine matches leading into the lockdown and eventual cancellation of the season.

“Kevin was appointed to the role under difficult circumstances and after a poor start to the season.

“The club would like to thank him for stepping in and stabilising results in the New Year prior to the premature end to the season the global coronavirus pandemic necessitated.

“The club wishes Kevin all the best in the future and are grateful for his efforts during his tenure here at Ebbsfleet United FC.

“Director of football Steve Lovell continues to oversee recruitment and retention. The club will provide an update on the future football performance structure in due course.”

Welshman Lovell, 59, has previously played for Gravesend & Northfleet, has managed the club too.  He has also been the manager of Sittingbourne and Ashford Town and was Neil Smith’s assistant manager at Bromley before League One side Gillingham appointed him manager.

Watson said on Twitter: “Obviously extremely disappointed to have received this news but I enjoyed my time at the club and know I did my best along with my staff and players to get out of a difficult situation.

“We went a long way to getting there and would have had the season finished, I’m convinced.

“I would like to thank everyone, staff, players and supporters who have been superb since I joined.  Good luck going forward.”

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk