Talbot Leaves Chesham To Become European Scout For Fulham

Sharing the news, Danny explained, "It's with an extremely heavy heart that I am leaving this great club. When I got the opportunity to be Chesham United manager I was very proud and looking forward to the challenge ahead in my new career. I have put absolutely everything into the job along with Jon Meakes, since getting this opportunity and it definitely has not been a matter of managing a group of players into the new season. We have managed to put together a whole new squad with every starter making their full debut in the pleasing 3-0 win at Biggleswade.

"As for the reason of my departure; I have taken a new full time job which I felt I couldn't turn down. It wasn't without a lot of thought and discussion with my wife and family as it is going to change my day to day life and my personal business that I put in place.

"I am going to be working for Fulham FC as a Senior/European Scout for the 1st team, my passion is football and this is something that I will regret if I do not give it my very best shot to succeed. I have built a great relationship with many people at the club and a much closer one with the chairman, Brian McCarthy in recent months, he has kindly said that if I can stay involved at any point with training etc then I am welcome. I'm extremely grateful for that and hope to take up that offer whenever I can.

“I wish the club every success this season in what is an exciting new era, I wish Jon well and also my apologies for leaving him! We will stay in close contact and I hope to be a part of it whenever I can. Thanks for all your support.”

Jon Meakes, now about to be joined by his third different partner in the dugout also shared his thoughts: "Following Daniel’s announcement I would like to go on record and thank him for his support since joining up with me. He has work extremely hard throughout the close season in putting the squad together & planning pre-season.

"He only knew for definite that he had been offered the job a few weeks ago and that is when he told the Chairman and I. It did come as a shock to both of us, as we were both looking forward to the challenge of the new season. As I said to Daniel, it’s a job you would regret not taking and I would have made the same decision. Daniel and I are mates and when he has settled into his job, we will know more on whether he will be able to offer his services with the odd training session or watching a game/player for me. You never know he might find a gem on his travels for Chesham - though I'm not sure the Chairman could afford the players Daniel is watching!!

"Now that the news of Daniel’s departure is out, I can announce that John Lawford will be my new Assistant Manager and I will also be bringing in a new coach, which I should be able to announce next week. John is no stranger to Chesham as with Martin Loakes he ran our U18’s team and was known as a Chesham Legend on the pitch over the years as a goal scorer, so he will be looking after our strikers and improving our goal ratio from the last two years.

“That just leaves me to wish Daniel all the best in his new job.”

Chairman Brian McCarthy added, "It is with mixed feelings that we have to have a management change so early in the season. Naturally we are disappointed to lose Danny, but equally are very proud that he has gone on to be offered such a prestigious job at one of the country's top clubs and would certainly not want to stand in the way of such progress. I am confident that this is not the last we will see of Danny, I hope he will be back to help out at some training sessions, possibly some additional scouting on behalf of the club or at the very least returning to enjoy the hospitality on a matchday.

“Myself and the fellow Directors wish Danny all the very best in his exciting new role, and we thank him for the work he has done with Jon to build a completely new squad that is already looking like an excellent team here at The Meadow. I have no doubt that Jon will continue this good work and we are delighted to welcome Chesham legend John Lawford to the First XI coaching staff. If Biggleswade on Saturday is anything to go by, we have an exciting season ahead and everyone at the club appreciates your support.”