Steve O'Boyle resigns as Phoenix Sports manager after budget cuts: I love the club, it was never my intension to leave but I feel I have no other choice

PHOENIX SPORTS chairman Andrew Mortlock says the club are struggling to compete in the Isthmian League South East Division financially after manager Steve O’Boyle dropped a bombshell by resigning yesterday.

O’Boyle guided the club to a sixteenth-place finish this season, having picked up 38 points from their 38 games, finishing nine points above the relegation zone in the eighth-tier division.

Beckenham Town and Erith & Belvedere suffered relegation after two and one year in the division respectively.

“It is with regret that we announce that Steve O’Boyle has resigned as manager of Phoenix Sports Club,” said Mr Mortlock in a statement.

“After a very tough season, Steve did manage to retain the club’s status in the Isthmian League South East.

“This without question was an excellent achievement and the club thanks Steve for all his hard work during the past season.

“Unfortunately, following 2024-2025 budget discussions, it is with regret that Steve has now arrived at this decision.

“I would personally like to thank Boyley for all his hard work in the last two and a half seasons in his second spell at the club as manager.

“I know how hard he has worked and has created so many great memories for us all, especially gaining promotion in the 2022-23 season by winning the (Inter-Step play-off) against our neighbours VCD.

“Unfortunately success has bred other problems which for the club are all financial.

“Aside from the significant uplift in annual playing budgets that, being very open about Phoenix Sports Club have struggled and unfortunately continue to struggle to compete with.

“We also have the ongoing challenges of the current economic climate, significantly higher operating costs for the club it is becoming more and more difficult each season to financially manage the football club to ensure that to that end that we still have a Phoenix Sports Club!

“This said, again everyone at Phoenix Sports Club sincerely thanks Boylee for all of his hard work and for what he has done and achieved at the club in his second spell as manager.  We all wish him all the very best with his next venture.

“This leaves the club now looking for a new first-team manager to compete in the Isthmian League South East Division.”

O’Boyle said that yesterday was a ‘sad day’ for him, as he departed the Barnehurst based outfit for a second time.

“I had hoped to continue with the squad that finished the season strongly, but unfortunately the club is not in a position to do this,” said O’Boyle in a statement.

“Last season was difficult to compete with the resources I had available, and with it now being reduced for next season, I feel it’s impossible for the club to compete in a strong division.

“I love the club and it was never my intension to leave, but I feel I have no other choice.

“I’d like to thank the players who performed brilliantly, keeping the club up; my backroom staff, who for me go over and above and are a dream to work with; the  board and the committee, for your support since I returned to the club two and a half years ago.

“Lastly, our wonderful supporters, who I adore.   We don’t have many, but the ones we do have are fantastic.

“I really hope the club can turn things around off the pitch, as it’s a great club run by good people.

“I have no idea what the future holds in non-league football for me, but believe the time is right for me to walk away from Phoenix with my head held high.

“Phoenix will always be really close to my heart.  Thanks for the memories!”

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website:   www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk