Someone else can come in and take us back to grassroots level, says Lingfield boss David Dean

LINGFIELD boss David Dean has announced that he is to step down at the end of the season.

Dean, who has been in charge at the Godstone Road outfit for five years, is to step down following his side's final league game of the season at home to Southern Counties East League champions Phoenix Sports on Saturday.


STEPPING DOWN: David Dean is stepping down after five years as Lingfield's boss after Saturday's home game against champions Phoenix Sports, which will be the Surrey club's final game in the Southern Counties East Football League after just one season.
Photo: Lingfield FC
  

Dean says he is hoping to end his tenure on a high, albeit that he plans to remain involved at the club on the committee.

“I have done five years and I think it is time for someone else,” Dean told the club’s website.

“I have enjoyed it and I think we have done well to stay at step five, but now someone else can come in and take us back to grassroots level."

Lingfield have confirmed that they have applied for relegation to step six, even though they have survived mathematically in the Southern Counties East Football League, sitting in the bottom five with 37 points with two games left.

A club statement added: “The committee haven't made a decision on Dixie's successor as yet, however, they have been very busy in the background proactively looking for a replacement and we are delighted to be inundated with applicants and interest's for his position who all come with a wealth of knowledge from Grassroots to Professional standards this is underpinned with a desire, passion and vision of greatness for Lingfield Football Club.”

Lingfield’s league rivals, Woodstock Sports, confirmed today that they will be folding at the end of the season, which will mean that there will be two teams pulling out of the Southern Counties East Football League.

Lingfield welcome third-placed Erith & Belvedere to Godstone Road on Tuesday night.

Visit Lingfield’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/lingfieldfc