Trophy winning boss Liam Giles leaves Croydon to seek challenges elsewhere

CROYDON begin the search for a new manager following the shock departure of trophy winning boss Liam Giles.

 

The Trams finished their Southern Counties East Football League First Division campaign in eighth-place, having picked up 44 points (13 wins, five draws and 12 defeats) in their 30 league outings.

Croydon reached the Kent Senior Trophy Final, where they lost 3-2 to Premier Division side Erith Town in Maidstone, but claimed the London Senior Trophy after a 1-0 win over Wimbledon Casuals in Carshalton just three days later.

“The time has come for me to step away from my role as manager of Croydon,” said Giles.

“It truly is a special club and one that will always hold a special place in my heart but I feel the time is right to pursue a new challenge.

“I am immensely proud to have brought silverware back to Croydon Arena for the first time in 15 years.

“I would like to thank the board for their continued support since I came back to the club.

“Thank you to all of my players, staff, and of course, the Trams Barmy Army.

“I suppose it’s now time to see what next season holds?”

The club have set a deadline of Monday 6 May at 17:00 for applications and interested parties should email managers@croydonfc.com.

Croydon finished eight points adrift of the play-offs in the tenth-tier division and the club paid tribute to Giles.

“After discussions with first-team manager Liam Giles this week, he feels, following a season that brought silverware to the club for the first time in 15 years, that it is time to seek challenges elsewhere," added the club statement.

“We have greatly enjoyed working with Liam.  His efforts week-after-week have been exceptional and we fully support him in what has been an emotional decision for him and very much wish him all the best.”

Atter picking up the London Senior Trophy, Croydon lost their last three league games of the season by a 2-1 scoreline to Bridon Ropes, Larkfield & New Hythe and Canterbury City, whom are managed by Lee Roots, Danny Lye and Dan Lawrence respectively.