I am open to either playing for a bit or going straight back into management, says forner Orpington boss Byron Beard

BYRON BEARD says his decision to resign as Orpington’s manager yesterday was not an easy one.

 

The 31-year-old stepped down after his side were beaten 1-0 at local rivals Sutton Athletic yesterday, a result which keeps them in sixth-place in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League.

The O’s have won five, drawn two and lost three of their league games this season and Beard issued a statement today to explain his departure.

“The reason for leaving firstly was not an easy one,” he said.

“I have played and worked with the club on and off for the last ten years. I had a number of small reasons that put together made it hard to continue but I won’t be making those common knowledge as I owe that to the club.”

Beard took charge of the club on 19 July 2014 and when asked what he brought to the club during his time in charge, he replied: “I brought a different way of playing - and youth.

“When I took over the club were full of senior players that played to their strengths, which were long ball tactics.

“I had three weeks to put together a squad and from that seven moved on to higher leagues.

“I also brought sponsorship and a more professional approach to training and the first team, including bringing in qualified coaching staff and a physio.

“Not many people know but in the background various meetings with local land owners trying to find Orpington a permanent home and I will continue to support that if my enquiries lead to anything.

“I officially left after yesterday’s game although I told my coaching staff on Thursday.  Anyone who was there yesterday probably saw I took a back step and let Marc and Jon take the lead as I thought it would be unfair to do it half-heartedly.”

Orpington have confirmed that assistant manager Marc Bentz has been appointed manager “for the time being,” and his first game in charge will be Saturday’s home league game against seventh-placed APM Contrast.

Beard agrees with the appointment, saying: “He will bring ideas and enthusiasm to the role and with the added bonus he doesn’t need to ask me if he is allowed!

“Seriously, he is a great coach and we get on great as we both worked on the same level.

“Any decision I made was a joint decision and to be fair we very rarely disagreed about team selection etc.

“I believe I have left him a group of players that could finish comfortably in the top six.”

Beard admitted that he has no future job in football lined up.

“I have absolutely nothing lined up – despite everyone thinking I have!

“Looking ahead I don’t know what I will do yet.  I think I might spend a couple of weeks with the kids and missus and make up for leaving our family holiday early for the (opening Friday night) game against Elmstead.

“I am open to either playing for a bit or going straight back into management. I would say after that if people think I can offer something as either a manager or player to their club then give me a call and we can have a chat.”

Beard added: “I wish everyone at Orpington success in the future and I am sure our paths will cross again.”