Nicky Southall resigns as Whitstable Town boss following disagreement with budgets

NICKY SOUTHALL has confirmed that he has resigned as the manager of Whitstable Town tonight.

Southall, 42, used twitter to announce that he has left the hot seat at The Belmont.

Southall guided the club to their best ever run in The FA Trophy, which saw the club reach the Second Round before going out to a 2-1 home defeat to Skrill South side Ebbsfleet United in December 2013.

The Oystermen finished in the bottom five (20^th place) in the Ryman League Division One South table with 53 points (14 wins, 11 draws and 21 defeats) from their 46 league games, finishing eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Southall said: “I’d just like to announce I’ve left Whitstable Town FC.  Thanks for all your support as a disagreement regarding budgets and club growing with me.”

The former Gillingham ace added: “I’m looking for a forward thinking club that’s wanting to develop their young players and build a foundation for the future – give youth a go.

“Just like to say to you Whitstable supporters a massive thumbs up, unreal support this year, cheers.

“Steve Nolan (assistant) has backed me and resigned as well. Top bloke. Look forward to working with Steve soon hopefully.”

Southall, who has played in each of the top eight league’s in English football, including four spells with Gillingham, joined the club as a player/coach under former boss Justin Luchford in June 2012.

Chairman Gary Johnson added a brief statement following Southall’s announcement.

“The club are disappointed to confirm that Nicky Southall (has) resigned, a matter he reported via social media.

“On behalf of the club I thanked Nicky for his personal professionalism and his efforts whilst at the club over the past two seasons and since taking over the reigns as manager in November 2012.

“A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Two Kent coastal clubs have now lost their managers in the space of 24 hours over budget restraints.

Scott Porter resigned at Hythe Town on Tuesday night after failing to agree his club’s budget for next season.

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk