Manager Reece Parara leaves Holmesdale owing to other commitments that require his focus and attention

HOLMESDALE manager Reece Parara has stepped down from the Bromley-based club after 21 games in charge.

The Dalers’ have gone 11 games without a win in all competitions and have slipped down to seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up five wins, eight draws and six defeats.

Holmesdale are the only club in the ninth-tier division that are training during the day and this information was leaked by one of their players ahead of a 2-0 home defeat to Fisher on 22 October.

Parara sent a WhatsApp message to his squad, insisting that they had to attend a training session just hours before losing to Ajay Ashanike’s side that night.

The message read: “Afternoon gents.  We will be training Tuesday 1:30pm at Goals in preparation for the game in the evening against Fisher.

“Everyone is expected to be there!!!

“If you are working, you have two days to come up (with) a reason why you can’t attend, work, or have to leave.”

In response to the leak and the club’s now perceived full-time status, Parara said in a statement: “A lot of people have too much time on their hands. 

“Amazing what training sessions you can put on when the majority of your boys are youngsters and part of your academy.

“I can confirm the lads who have jobs are on half-term as they work in schools.”

Holmesdale went on to be held to a couple of 1-1 draws by Larkfield & New Hythe and Kennington yesterday, which turned out to be Parara’s final game in charge.

A club statement said: “Owing to other commitments that require his focus and attention, Reece Parara has opted to step away from his position as first team manager of Holmesdale, effective immediately.

“The club thanks Reece for his hard work in what has been his first senior management role and we all wish him every success in the future.

“Director of football Andy Constable returns to the manager’s role and further announcements regarding the make-up of his new management team will be made shortly.”

Parara claimed five wins, nine draws and seven defeats in all competitions during his short spell in charge at Oakley Road, with a win ratio of 24 per cent.

VCD Athletic (who were held to a 3-3 draw at Rusthall yesterday) remain at the summit with 36 points from 15 games.

Faversham Town - who claimed a 3-0 win at Punjab United on Friday night - remain in second, with 33 points from 14 games.

Tommy Warrilow’s side are joined in the play-off zone by Fisher (28 points from 16 games), Punjab United (28 points from 15 games) and Corinthian (24 points from 14 games).

Larkfield & New Hythe (24 points from 15 games) follow next, then Holmesdale (23 points from 19 games), who travel to Spelthorne Sports in The FA Vase Second Round on Saturday.