Hughes blows his Lydd as players fail to turn up

Sunday 05th July 2009

DENNIS HUGHES has decided to throw in the towel and quit as the manager of minnows Lydd Town - after his players failed to turn up to pre-season training.

The standards that were set during his playing days at Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Brighton & Hove Albion and Halifax Town are not followed in the bottom division of the Vandanel Kent County League.

Lydd Town were rooted to the foot of the Vandanel Kent County League Division One East table last season with just one win and two draws from their miserable 20-match campaign and were relegated to the foot of the English pyramid system.

They actually finished their campaign on MINUS one point, but after just six games in charge of the beleaguered club, Hughes has told www.kentishfootball.co.uk why he has quit.

“Myself and my assistant was very disappointed at the attendance and attitude of players leading up to pre-season,” he said.

“I went out of my way to get decent pre-season friendlies, including Hythe Town and Maidstone United to name a few, and you get no show from players, so I have decided to resign forthwith.

“I would like to thank the chairman Pat Lyndsey for all his help and support, but felt it right to leave it to someone who feels the situation is right for him.”

It’s not the only time that Hughes has had issues with County League standard players.

Last October, he quit Staplehurst & Monarchs United, despite making bold statements that the club would be playing Kent League football in three years time.

“I have resigned for reasons which involve non-commitment, compassion and hard work by some players,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk at the time.

Back to the present, Hughes is probably more suited to managing at a much higher level.

“I will be seeking a position elsewhere, so I am open to any offers,” he added.