Otford United axe Paul McDonagh in a bid to avoid back-to-back Kent County League relegations

OTFORD UNITED chairman Stuart Cunningham has parted company with manager Paul McDonagh.

McDonagh was appointed manager on 14 February 2023 but the O’s suffered relegation from the Kent County League Premier Division at the end of last season, having picked up six wins and a draw from their 30 league games.

The Recreation Ground outfit have slumped to the foot of the Division One Central & East Division table, having lost 10 of their 13 league games, picking up nine points.

“I would like to put on record thanks and appreciation to Paul for his time and efforts over the past year,” said Cunningham.

“Paul and I have been good friends for many years so I respect the effort that Paul has put in to try and help rebuild the men’s section.

“However, as a club, we feel we need to take action to help the first team stay in the Kent County League Division One, as we begin to recruit a new manager.

“For the time being, Jamie Knight and Tom Johnson will be stepping in to take over the next couple of weeks’ games until we find a replacement.”

Otford United have four games in hand on the team immediately above them in the table, Whitstable Town’s under 23 side, who have 11 points on the board, while Lordswood’s Reserves are above the relegation line with 14 points from 15 games.

Otford United suffered a 5-0 defeat at league leaders Snodland Town Reserves at the weekend, and welcome Deal Town’s Reserves on Saturday 20 January (14:00).

Deal Town Reserves lie in third-place in the table with 31 points from 14 games, a point behind Snodland Town’s Reserves.