Watson Leaves Bishop`s Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford have announced the departure of manager Kevin Watson.

Watson is a young and ambitious manager and the Board were unable to meet his budgetary needs for the coming season when they will be members of the Bostik League Premier.

Therefore, in the best interests of the club and Watson’s career, the Board have reluctantly agreed to look at other options.

A statement from the club reads: “At the shareholders meeting held last week the Board re-iterated to its members that the club cannot continue to spend beyond its means and with reducing crowds, have to set a realistic budget that can be maintained throughout the coming season and Kevin felt it would be difficult to work within the proposed budget.

“The Board of Directors would like to put on record their thanks to Kevin for his efforts during his tenure, not only with the first team but also his work with the academy which has seen a number of players making the transition to the first team squad last season, and this opportunity remains open to Kevin if circumstances allow.

“The club wish Kevin well for his future management career.”

Watson told the club`s official website: “So, after a brief meeting with the powers that be last night, it was decided that myself and the Board`s ideas and opinions on the club going forward were not the same. Therefore, with an extremely heavy heart I’ve left my role as Bishop’s Stortford manager with immediate effect.

“It’s a very sad end to what has been a very enjoyable fourteen months at the club and one I can look back on with a sense of pride. We started pre-season with not one player signed and finished with a group of players I’d become very proud of and attached to.

“I’d like to thank each and every one of them who played for me and gave their absolute maximum every single time they set foot on the pitch. You were a credit to yourselves and the club. The youngsters I’ve brought through and have blooded have all proved that they are ready to step up to senior football on a regular basis now and I hope they continue to get the opportunities to do that.

“I can look back and know that I gave it my best and that the playing side is in a much healthier position than when I took over. Whoever comes in will have some excellent youngsters coming through.

“I’d like to thank everyone behind the scenes at the club whose support for me along the way has been unwavering throughout.

“It’s an extremely sad day for me but that’s football for you I guess. My desire and ambition to go on and become a successful manager is very much still there and I’ll most definitely keep pursuing that”.

Source Pitchero Non League