My decision to step down as Erith & Belvedere manager is purely for personal reasons, says Del Oldfield

ERITH & BELVEDERE begin the search for a new manager after Del Oldfield stepped down from the role due to personal reasons.

The Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club said: “The board of directors can confirm that Derek Oldfield has stepped down from the first-team manager role due to personal reasons.

“We would like to thank Del for his hard work, support and efforts in the last year.  You will also be welcome back.”

Oldfield was appointed the manager of Phoenix Sports Reserves in April 2018, having coached the youth sides at the club for the previous couple of seasons.

Phoenix Sports Reserves finished in the bottom three of the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having won eight and drawn five of their 34 league games during the 2018-19 season.

Oldfield was appointed Erith & Belvedere manager on 1 March 2020, after managing Stansfeld's Reserve side, replacing Stuart Webb, who took temporary charge for four games, which saw Erith & Belvedere lose heavily to Lordswood (0-4), K Sports (0-7) Welling Town (2-7) and Chatham Town (8-1).

Webb stood in after Owen Jones and his entire management team quit the Park View Road club due to budget cuts on 26 January 2020.

Oldfield won two and drew four of his 13 league games in charge of the club, winning four of his six cup games during his 15 months at Park View Road.

On 3 November 2020, Erith & Belvedere lost to Hellenic League Division One East side Risborough Rangers on penalties (4-2) after The FA Vase First Round tie finished goal-less after 90 minutes.

However, the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division season’s did not finish due to the coronavirus health pandemic.

"My decision to step down as manager of Erith & Belvedere is purely for personal reasons," said Oldfield.

"On this occasion, I have put myself and my family first for once.

"Thank you to the board for believing in me and thank you to the players and staff that have been part of a stuttering but enjoyable journey.

"In some, if not most of those players, I have formed personal friendships for life and I'll always be eternally grateful for that.

"To everyone that has phoned or contacted me, your support means a lot, it really does and I'll see you all soon.

"I'm sad to be leaving but at the same time, I'm completely happy and comfortable with my decision to do so.

"I wish everyone at the club every success for the future."

Erith & Belvedere co-director Paul Springett added: “Del is a good human and a good coach.  He will always be welcomed back at the club and will go in the history books as we continue with this journey.  Thank you. Sincerely.”