Abbott goes it alone after joint boss steps down

By David Watters

Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers have handed sole control of first team affairs to Gary Abbott after announcing on Saturday that Michael Paye had stood down as joint manager.

Former England Non-League striker Abbott, pictured, will take charge for the first time as sole manager on Sunday when the Wands host Harlow Town in Ryman North action.

Paye and Abbott, 50, took control of the oldest football club in London and the second oldest in the world in September as successors to Keith Bird.

Paye, like Abbott a former Cray player, will remain a key figure at the club and continue to play a major role in the proposed new sports village and multi-sport 2,200 capacity stadium for the Wands at Flamingo Park in Sidcup.

Cray Wanderers chairman Gary Hillman said: "Mike informed me last Wednesday [17 December] that he felt joint management of the first team wasn’t working and therefore, in the interests of the team, it would be best if he resigned his post.

"Unfortunately, despite some good performances recently ¬– only four defeats in 13 games before Tuesday and reaching the third qualifying round in the FA Trophy – results haven’t been going as well as the team’s performances have deserved. This was evident in Cray’s home defeat to Dereham Town on Tuesday who scored an injury time winner.”

Despite a record equaling run in the FA Trophy this season, Abbott’s side are currently second bottom and nine points from safety.

In the statement announcing his resignation, Paye said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their help and wish the club all the best in the future."

Image courtesy of www.thisislocallondon.co.uk

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