Holmesdale and Gravesham Borough begin searches for new managers after Ian Varley and Ricky Tompkins leave

HOLMESDALE begin the search for a new manager after Ian Varley stepped down after just 10 games into the season.

The Bromley-based club went down to a 2-1 defeat at Kent Football United in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division this afternoon.

The club are in thirteenth-place in the table, with three wins, one draw and three league defeats on the board.

“Today after our 2-1 defeat away to Kent Football United, our first team manager Ian Varley informed the committee that he wanted to resign from his position with immediate effect,” said a club statement.

“As a club we would like to thank Ian for all his efforts.  Ian managed to bring some stability to our club last season and finished in a respectable position, given the resources he had and I think Ian would thank us for giving him his first role in senior football management.

“We wish Ian all the best, I’m sure he will be successful in football management.”

Any manager interested in the vacancy should contact chairman Ray Tolfrey by Email: d.tolfrey@sky.com

Holmesdale finished in the top-six in Varley’s only full season in charge, with a playing record of 19 wins, 6 draws and 11 defeats in the league, despite being an amateur club.

Varley, who is employed by The Football Association as a full-time coach, was in charge of Holmesdale for 54 games in total, winning 26, drawing 8 and losing 20 in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Ricky Tompkins’ reign at Gravesham Borough lasted just 11 games after leaving the club following their 3-0 home defeat to Phoenix Sports Reserves.

The Chatham based amateur outfit are rooted to the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table with four draws and six defeats from their 10 league outings.

Tompkins, who guided Otford United to promotion to the Andreas Carter Joma Kent County League Premier Division in his only season in charge of the club, found the going tough at a higher level of football and failed to win a single game whilst in charge of Gravesham.

“Sad to say but I have left Gravesham Borough with immediate effect.  Wish all the club the best for the future and the rest of the season,” added Tompkins.