AFC Greenwich Borough part company with title-winning and London Senior Trophy winning manager Reece Parara - despite winning 37 of his 46 games in charge

AFC GREENWICH BOROUGH have sensationally sacked their double-winning manager Reece Parara.

 

The former Holmesdale manager led the club to the Southern Counties East Football League First Division title at the end of their first season as a football club within the National League System.

The artist formerly known as Welling United FC Academy – where they are listed on the legal Companies House website - were elected into the tenth-tier of English football last summer.

Greenwich Borough resigned from the Southern Counties East Football League on 21 January 2020.

Parara guided AFC Greenwich Borough to the league title by picking up 86 points (28 wins, two draws and four defeats), finishing two points clear of Anthonio Gonnella’s SE Dons, who celebrated winning the play-offs after home wins over Croydon (2-0) and Rochester United (4-2).

AFC Greenwich Borough also won the London Senior Trophy, by beating Wimbledon Casuals 2-0 in Hanwell last month.

“From all the players, staff and the board at AFC Greenwich Borough, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to first team coach Reece Parara for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication during his time at the club,” said a club statement.

“Reece will now leave his position having played a major role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, helping lead AFC Greenwich Borough to its first League title and cup double.

“Reece is a bright young coach with a fantastic future ahead of him in the game. Everyone at the club wishes him every success in the next stage of his football journey.”

Parara, who won 37, drew 2 and lost seven (all competitions) in charge of the big-budget club, added: “My time as manager at AFC Greenwich Borough has come to an end.

“Thank you to the players, staff and board for the dedication and support throughout the season. Proud of what we achieved together.

“Made some good decisions in my two years in senior management, made some bad ones but every experience has helped me grow as a manager and as a person.

“Stil plenty to learn and improve on but I can’t complain about the start of my journey.

“Ready to go again and looking forward to what comes next.”

Oghosha Williams finished the campaign with 38 goals, while Stefan Payne, 34, put the ball in the net on 25 occasions.

Tony Russell, who was listed on the team-sheet as the club’s technical adviser, is expected to be appointed for next season’s Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign.

Meanwhile, fourth-placed NRG Gyms Kent County League Division One West finishers Otford United are holding a testimonial match to celebrate Jamie Knight’s 25 years with the club.

The match takes place on Saturday 16 May at 12:30 and features a match between past and present players and managers at the village club, which is based on the Recreation Ground on Otford High Street.

Knight has still been playing for the club’s young reserve team in the Sevenoaks & District League, as well as working on helping plan the future direction of the club.

James Shield, meanwhile, will continue to manage the 12^th tier club on his own next season, following the decision for joint-manager Mike Cunningham to step down from the role.