Mark Goldberg parts company with Bromley citing "ongoing in house conflict"

Monday 17th January 2011

BROMLEY manager Mark Goldberg has relinquished his position at the Hayes Lane club with immediate effect, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Crystal Palace chairman (1998-1999), parted company with the club before Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Basingstoke Town, despite the Hayes Lane club sitting in fifth place in the Blue Square Bet South table with 38 points from 23 games, just four points adrift of leaders Braintree Town.

Goldberg issued a statement on the club’s website - www.bromleyfc.net - explaining his shock departure.

He said: “It is with regret that I have to announce that, in the best interests of the club, I left Bromley FC before the game against Basingstoke Town.

“This was due to an ongoing conflict in house on how and who should play first team football, which made my position as manager untenable as I wish to be responsible for my own decisions.

“My heart will always be with the club although I hope everyone concerned will respect that I will be looking to stay in football.”

Goldberg was in his second spell in charge at Hayes Lane, punctuated by a five month break whilst he concentrated on outside interests.

In his first season as manager in 2006, he led his newly assembled squad to a Kent Senior Cup triumph and promotion to Blue Square South via the play-offs.

He has since taken charge of 124 Blue Square Bet South matches, winning 48 and drawing another 31.

During Goldberg’s time in charge the club also reached the First Round of The FA Cup twice in four seasons, losing to Gillingham and Colchester United, in what were only their third and fourth appearances at this stage in over half a century.

This season started with a club record seven consecutive league wins to top the table but since then Bromley’s form has dipped dramatically with the club only gaining 17 points from the next 16 league games and suffering early exits from both FA Competitions to Chelmsford City and Ebbsfleet United.

A club statement added: “The club would like to thank Mark for his commitment and effort both on and off the pitch and would like to wish him all the best for the future.”

Bromley travel to basement side Lewes in the league on Wednesday night, with Goldberg’s assistant, Hayden Bird, and the current management team, confirmed as remaining in place for the rest of the season.

East Sussex side Lewes, now under the guidance of former Croydon Athletic pair Tim O’Shea and Neil Smith, are six points adrift of safety with twenty games remaining.

Meanwhile, former Cray Wanderers striker, George Porter, who has been sent out on loan to Lewes from Leyton Orient, is expected to be fit to face The Lillywhites.

Additional reporting from Jeff Hutton, courtesy of www.bromleyfc.net.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Lewes v Bromley

Blue Square Bet South

Wednesday 19th January 2011

Kick Off 7:45pm

At The Dripping Pan, Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2XD