Fisher welcome back manager Ajay Ashanike with open arms after his seven game spell in charge of Basildon United

FISHER have re-appointed Ajay Ashanike as their manager tonight, with Michael Williams agreeing to revert back to assistant manager.

Ashanike departed St Paul’s Stadium on Monday 11 December to take charge of Isthmian League North Division side Basildon United but he lasted only seven games at the Essex outfit and sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Williams took the helm and was in charge of 10 completed games where Fisher claimed one win, (Fisher were also leading Lydd Town by the time the game was abandoned late on), three draws and six defeats.

Fisher were defeated 4-1 at now third-placed side Corinthian at Gay Dawn Farm last night in what was Michael Golding’s 401^st game in charge of the home club.

“When Ajay took up his opportunity to manage at Step Four, negotiations were made between him, the club and Michael for the possibility of his position being kept open should Ajay’s new role not work out. All three parties were in agreement with this,” said a club statement.

“As a club operating without a playing budget in a very competitive Step Five set-up, we have to look at less conventional models of operating to allow us to compete.

“We are proud of our record of developing young players and allowing them to move further up the football pyramid as part of this approach.

“We support these players should their moves not work out and welcome them back into the fold – our managerial roles are no different.

“Michael has managed admirably during his eight-week tenure, dealing with a very challenging fixture list, postponements, abandonments, delayed kick-offs and more with professionalism and dedication, harvesting nine points in the process and continuing to develop our young squad.

“Non-league football management is an all-consuming task and managing this alongside a full-time job as a primary school teacher and family life is no mean feat.

“With Ajay relinquishing his Step Four position early last week, Michael informed the club last Wednesday, after the excellent win at Rusthall, that he would feel more comfortably reverting to the assistant manager role, with Ajay coming back in as manager, as per the original agreement.

“This was again discussed between the three parties and the switch approved by all.  Michael agreed to lead the side for the next two fixtures to allow Ajay a watching brief.

“Luke With will rejoin the management team and Jordan Darwish, who had been assisting Michael superbly, will also reman as a valued part of the group.”

The Fish are in eleventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 35 points (10 wins, five draws and 11 defeats) and they travel to eighth-placed Snodland Town on Saturday.

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.org