Tony Beckingham quits runaway league leaders Erith & Belvedere because of fundamental football differences with the chairman but Andy Constable stays on as interim manager

TONY BECKINGHAM has stepped down as the manager of Erith & Belvedere last night, stating fundamental football differences but the rest of his management team are staying at Park View Road.

 

The Deres are sitting at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 47 points from their 18 league games and are 17 points clear of Stansfeld.

The two sides meet each other at Foxbury Avenue on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, I’ve made the decision to step away from my position,” said Beckingham last night.

“Fundamental football differences between myself and the chairman has made my position as manager untenable.”

Beckingham was in charge of 27 games and the side won 20, drew four and lost only three.

Erith & Belvedere were held to a 3-3 draw at home to second-from-bottom side Fisher at the weekend and have the biggest budget in the division, while Fisher don't have a playing budget.

Striker George Purcell has since departed Park View Road and scored for Essex Senior League side Redbridge on his debut last night, a 4-0 win at Sawbridgeworth Town in the Memorial Trophy Second Round.

A club statement added: "The club are delighted that Andy Constable will continue to lead the first team duties as interim manager and will be assisted by all of the current back room staff (Tony Cornwell and Mike Parker).

"Andy and team have done a fantastic job this season and contunue to work towards our goals."