27thnov04

Beeney steps down as Sittingbourne manager

MARK BEENEY has announced he has stepped down as manager of Southern League Division One East club Sittingbourne, writes Stephen McCartney.

This has been brought about due to his position of goalkeeper coach at Premiership leaders Chelsea becoming a full-time position at Stamford Bridge.

The Bourne Park outfit have acted quickly and have appointed Steve Nolan, Beeney's assistant, and he will take charge of the team for Monday's trip to Boreham Wood.

Beeney said: "It is with regret that from today I am standing down as manager of Sittingbourne Football Club.

"This has been brought about due to my position of goalkeeper coach at Chelsea becoming a full-time position.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the chairman, staff, players, fans and all the people in the background that work so hard for the club for all their support over the last three years.

"It has been, on the whole, an enjoyable time for me which has been made easier by the support I have received.

"I would like to wish Steve (Nolan) and the players every success for the rest of the season.

"If there is any way I can continue to help the club, I will be more than happy to do so."

A club statement, issued by secretary John Pitts added: "We are sorry that Mark is unable to continue as manager and thank him for all he has done in the last three years.

"Mark has introduced a professional attitude and bought in players who will be an asset to the success of the football club.

"We wish him all the best with Chelsea for the future and hope that he will continue to support Sittingbourne when ever he is able too.

"We are pleased to announce that Steve Nolan, Mark's assistant up to now, has been appointed manager.

"His first game in charge will be at Boreham Wood on Monday in the Southern League."

Unfortunately Beeney's final game in charge, at Wivenhoe Town today ended in a 3-2 defeat for the Brickies.