Otford United axe manager Ricky Tompkins as they remain focused on cementing their Kent County League Premier Division status

OTFORD UNITED have controversially parted company with their management team during the second national lockdown imposed by the UK Government during the Covid-19 health pandemic.

The O’s are currently sitting in thirteenth-place (bottom four) in the NRG Gym Kent County League Premier Division table, having picked up two wins and two draws from their opening 10 league games.

The club are three points clear of Crockenhill, who occupy last place but Otford United have played one more game.

Otford United thrashed Crockenhill 7-1 on 24 October before losing to both Peckham Town (4-1) and New Romney (2-1) before the country went into a second lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“Otford United Football Club have this morning parted company with first-team manager Ricky Tompkins and assistant manager Terry Donovan,” said a club statement.

“We would like to place on record our thanks and gratitude to both Ricky and Terry for their efforts during their time at Otford United and wish them both the very best for the future.

“This was a very tough decision for the football club to make especially given the current suspension of the footballing season but we remain focused on cementing our Kent County Premier Division status this season.

“We can confirm that Kenny Gillam will be remaining with the club.”

Tompkins, meanwhile, revealed on his Twitter account that he felt surprised that his second spell in charge of the club has come to an end.

“Well, news that I didn’t expect this morning, phone call from board telling me they were moving forward with a new manager,” said Tompkins.

“Picking a team up from bottom last year, 90% new team and five points of sixth-place. I built changing room benches, made the pitch the best it’s looked in years but obviously the club wants better and it wasn’t delivered.

“Good luck to the club, it’s been a tough year with lots going on but I’ll move on and I’m looking for a new club.”