Faversham Town part company with Simon Austin after 10 games in charge at Salters Lane

FAVERSHAM TOWN chairman Gary Smart begins the search for his third management team of the season after parting company with Simon Austin after only 10 games in charge.

The Lilywhites remain rooted to the foot of the Isthmian League South East Division table after losing 3-1 at Three Bridges yesterday.

Faversham Town have collected two wins and a draw from their 16 league games, a point fewer than Corinthian, who have a game in hand.

“Simon Austin came in just five weeks ago at a difficult time for the club and the results just not been good enough for Faversham Town,” said a club statement.

“All connected with the club would like to thank them for all their work and efforts and would like to wish the backroom staff all the best in the future.”

Austin started with a 2-1 win at Ramsgate in the Velocity Trophy before losing league games away to Burgess Hill Town (1-4) and Whitehawk (1-6).

The club were dumped out of the Velocity Cup by losing 5-0 at Premier Division side Folkestone Invicta, before a 3-1 league win at East Grinstead Town followed.

However, the Lilywhites have since lost league games to Sevenoaks Town (1-2), VCD Athletic (0-5), Cray Valley (0-5), Sheppey United (2-3) and Three Bridges (1-3) and Austin has lost his job today.

“It just hasn’t worked out for Simon and his coaching staff,” added Mr Smart.

“Their enthusiasm and hard work were unquestionable and they are decent and honest guys.

“Unfortunately, we are in a results business and the results have not been good, as a board we thought we would be in a better position in the league at this stage of the season.

“We personally believe that Simon and his coaching staff did all they can and tried to turn things around.

“From the club’s point of view it’s time to bring in a new experienced manager as we still have 22 games to move us up and out of the relegation zone."

Faversham Town begin the search for their third management team of the season, with the club involved in a relegation dog-fight.

“The club has huge ambitions for the short, medium and long-term future, so the next manager would have to have the pedigree of managing in all of the Isthmian League’s, not just the South East Division and on a long-term basis and not just for a relegation battle," added Mr Smart.

“We can ensure every person that is connected to the club in any way, that the next appointed person will be ready for the fight ahead this season and also be capable to fulfil the club’s future ambitions.”

Faversham Town, a side that are 10 points adrift of safety, taking goal-difference into account, face a relegation six-pointer against Corinthian at home next Saturday, 3 October (15:00).

The club began the campaign with John Embery and Jermaine Darlington in charge but they lasted 13 games at Salters Lane.

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk