Erith & Belvedere joint-managers Billy Hamlin and Jamie Phipps step down after only seven league games into the new season

ERITH & BELVEDERE chairman Paul Springett has revealed joint-managers Billy Hamlin and Jamie Phipps both resigned last night after only seven league games into the new season.

The Deres sit in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up two wins, three draws and two defeats and are seven points adrift of surprise early leaders Sutton Athletic.

The former Stansfeld pair took charge of their final game last night, a 1-1 home draw against Andy Constable’s Holmesdale, at Park View Road.

“We cannot thank Jamie and Billy enough for everything they have done for the club,” said Mr Springett in a club statement.

“When Billy and Jamie came in at the start of 2024, the club was down the bottom of the Isthmian League, under a transfer embargo, and morale seemed at an all-time low.

“Jamie and Billy made it their mission to pick up the pieces and formed a strong side who never gave up right to the end of that Isthmian League season.

“Then, given their chance to take on the management from the start of last season, they continued to build a strong core team and took us on an adventure, the highlight of which a Quarter-Final appearance in The FA Vase, following a run of nail-biting fixtures and dramatic penalty shoot-out wins.

“However, that was so much more important than the results was the culture that was built.  During their tenure, it felt like Erith & Belvedere rediscovered its identity, with memorable team nights out and away days that will go down as the stuff of legend.

“On a personal note, I will always be grateful for meeting Billy and Jamie. We will remain friends and I wish both of them and their families a wonderful future.

“We honestly wish Jamie, Billy, Freddy (Hamlin) and (the rest of their management team) all the best for their future and them unreservedly for everything they have done for the club.”

The club have appointed coach Sam Groombridge interim manager, starting on Saturday, when newly-promoted side Faversham Strike Force visit Park View Road (13:00).

The Whitstable based outfit sit fifth, having picked up three wins and a draw from their first six games at this level and lost 2-1 in Gillingham to Hollands & Blair last night.

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.thederesfc.co.uk