Lewisham Borough sack Ebun Thomas: Many people will always question these decisions but do they see what we are seeing behind the scenes – it is not just about on the pitch

LEWISHAM BOROUGH have controversially sacked head coach Ebun Thomas.

The Ladywell Arena outfit are in the bottom four in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table despite collecting seven points from their first seven league outings.

But chairman Raymond Simpson wielded the axe yesterday after the club suffered a humiliating 8-1 league defeat at Erith & Belvedere last Sunday.

“Everyone is aware of the tough times we have had on the pitch but we still continue to make progress irrespective,” said Mr Simpson.

“Our under 18s had an excellent victory at home to Lordswood in The FA Youth Cup on Monday and are now in the Second Qualifying Round. Several players have also progressed to the first team.

“Yet I have to take tough decisions just like any other chairman who want their clubs to do well and be run as business like and professional as possible.

“Many people will always question these decisions but do they see what myself and the directors are seeing behind the scenes – it is not just about on the pitch.

“Lewisham Borough, leading on facility improvement, has resulted in the club participating in The FA Vase and FA Youth Cup this season, which shows that we are moving forward and this was achieved without us doing anything special on the pitch.

“At Lewisham we are doing our best to get as many positive messages out there as possible using social media, websites and in the press and this will help to grow and develop the club and attract investment.”

Mr Simpson has not revealed his new management team, adding: “I will not be taking on team affairs and have already put a team in place to take things forward.

Thomas, meanwhile, tweeted: “They say you’re not a real manager until you have been sacked. Well, onwards and upwards.”

The move to part company with Thomas – an Academy coach at Charlton Athletic - seems a bizarre move from the club, especially as it took Lewisham Borough 24 League games to collect seven points last season.

Thomas was in charge of Lewisham Borough for 30 games in total, winning six, drawing 7 and losing 17.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed FC Elmstead manager Marc Bentz has installed Ricky Tompkins as his assistant manager. Tompkins recently left bottom of the table side Gravesham Borough, failing to win in his 11 games in charge of the Chatham-based club after guiding Otford United to promotion into the Andreas Carter Joma Kent County League Premier Division in his only season in charge.

Bridon Ropes have confirmed that Chi Ezenwolum has left the club to sign for Millwall, where he will play for their under 16 side.