Peter Nolan steps down after three seasons in charge at FC Elmstead while Tooting Bec mutually part ways with co-managers Matt Hancock and Gavin Bolger

FC ELMSTEAD have announced the departure of manager Peter Nolan after three seasons in charge of the club.

The club finished their campaign in sixth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having picked up 50 points (15 wins, five draws and 10 defeats) from their 30 league games.

The club completed their campaign with a 4-2 win at Faversham Strike Force yesterday, which turned out to be Nolan’s last game in charge of the Hextable based outfit.

“Peter Nolan will be standing down from his position as FC Elmstead first team manager,” said a club statement.

“Peter was given a three-year project to improve the playing side.  Each year we saw steady progression with it culminating this season just missing out on a play-off place and reaching the Semi-Final of the London Senior Trophy.

“Our thanks to Peter for moving us on a level and introducing some great players to the club.

“Peter would like to seek new opportunities in non-league and stands down with our blessing.

“We as a club are currently not inviting applications for the management role at this time. We ask all interested parties to keep an eye on upcoming announcements regarding the role.

“We as a club remain committed to the progression of FC Elmstead on and off the pitch.”

FC Elmstead missed out on the play-offs by just two points.

“I have stepped down from my role as first team manager of FC Elmstead after three seasons,” added Nolan.

“I would firstly like to thank Dean Rose, Alex White, Ryan Watts and Paul Cook, who make up my management team.

“I could not have managed over 100 competitive fixtures without them by my side and count myself lucky to have managed for three seasons with such a great group of people.

“Secondly, I would like to thank Fabio Rossi.  Fabio gave my management team and I our first opportunity at this level and I will be forever grateful for his trust and support throughout the tenure.

“Lastly, I would like to thank each and every player who represented FC Elmstead during my tenure.  No matter how many fixtures you were involved in, each person played a significant part in my chapter at FC Elmstead.

“Despite over the past two seasons just missing out on a play-off place, I am proud of our achievements at FC Elmstead and I believe we can evidence the club’s progression over the past three seasons.

“I am hopeful that another opportunity will present itself in non-league football for myself. However, it is time for someone else to create a new history at FC Elmstead and drive the club forward.”

Meanwhile, Tooting Bec begin the search for a new management team after announcing the departure of co-managers Matt Hancock and Gavin Bolger, who have decided to mutually part ways with the club today.

The Chipstead based outfit finished in ninth-place in the table, having picked up 37 points (10 wins, seven draws and 13 defeats).

Tooting Bec completed their campaign with a 4-1 home win over Meridian VP yesterday.

Meridian VP celebrated winning the Kent County League Invitation Cup by beating Kent County League Premier Division champions Halls Athletic 3-2 last Wednesday at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead.

“We would like to thank Matt and Gav for the work and time they put into the club and wish them the best in their future endeavours,” said a club statement.

“Gutted to see two good friends step down after overseeing our most successful period to date including reaching the play-offs twice and winning the London Senior Trophy.

“Achieved through great management and coaching and no budget.”