I have achieved the objectives I was set and more, says Simon Austin

SIMON AUSTIN has explained his decision to resign as Canterbury City’s manager with two games of the season left at the weekend.

Austin took over the reins of the Kent League club last summer and has guided the club to tenth-place in the table, having picked up 11 wins, 7 draws and 12 defeats.

But he resigned following Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Wembley bound FA Carlsberg Vase finalists Tunbridge Wells.

Austin, who issued a statement today said: “Listen I’m not coming on here to moan and groan or blame this person or that person. I would like to thank Canterbury for giving me the opportunity to prove myself.

“I have always said I am in it to do the best job I can and if ever it gets to a point where I am unable to do this for reasons out of my control then it wasn’t for me.

“Lately I have spent more time on non-football related issues, this shouldn’t be the case. I would encourage Canterbury to try and source a full size pitch and goal to train with next season. Canterbury have had to re-build every year with a new manager for the past three seasons, it makes you wonder.

“I have achieved the objectives I was set and more, despite two budget cuts, first of which was six weeks in to the season. I have brought through a good amount of reserves/youth players in to the first team, developed them and still remained very competitive.

“Our home record is second in the league, we were a very young team and have got better and better on the pitch. It’s a shame because to progress you need stability.

“Next season was looking good already, I had already spoken with the players I wanted to keep and had been in touch with a few key experienced additions. I had a really good, different, pre-season planned but it can keep for another day.

“I managed to attract players, though as other clubs come in for some of them my hands were tied with certain aspects which was disappointing as I wanted to build and progress.

“I am touched by the support the team have given me. I advised them to stay and see out the season but they said they had got to a point where they were only willing to put up with broken promises for so long. It was their decision as individuals that 90% of them have also left Canterbury, although I would say I do believe they are right in their view that a club has a commitment to a player as much as a player does to a club. I guess it shows what I have created in terms of team spirit and unity.

“I have enjoyed working with them all (the players) and thank them for their willingness to learn and efforts over the season, you never know if our paths will cross again in the future. I would like to go on record to say thank you to Kerry (kitman), Ada (gk coach), Lee (coach), Jimmy (coach) and especially Steve my assistant for all your work and support.

“This is the first and last interview I am going to give on this. I am appreciative of the contact made from a member of Canterbury asking me to attend a meeting to see if we can resolve our differences, but I have made my decision and I am going to stick by it, its football it happens, time to move on. I will also conduct myself correctly and professionally, I don’t need to go into war and peace. Those that need to know the full story do and those that are from the football world I’m sure can read between the lines.

“I have enjoyed my time at Canterbury and most importantly I have learnt an awful lot. Where ever I go next will benefit hugely from my experiences this season.

“It’s positive on a personal note that my phone has been non-stop already, it proves football people can see what I have done with the resources I had available. I have had a few offers come in already (one completely out of the blue, and very interesting) but I have been honest, which is so important in this business and said I am just going to take a bit of time to make sure I make the right decision on where I go next.”

The board at Canterbury City issued the following statement on their official club website.

“The club confirms that first team manager Simon Austin resigned following City’s 3-1 defeat to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.  His resignation was immediately accepted.

“Caretaker arrangements are already in place for the remaining two league games of the season and of course a further announcement inviting applications for a permanent appointment will follow shortly.”

Canterbury City are away to Tunbridge Wells on 6 May, before their complete their campaign at home to Greenwich Borough three days later.

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.com