Double act stand down after cup exit

Paul Barry and Darren Powell have resigned as the joint managers of Ryman Premier Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The pair, pictured, stood down within hours of the south west London club’s 3-2 FA Cup defeat at VCD Athletic in the First Qualifying Round. The reverse follows a bad start to the season that has seen the Beavers occupying a bottom four spot after conceding 28 goals in their first ten matches amid especially poor home results.

In a statement released on Saturday night, officials said the pair had told chairman Steve McPherson that they believed they'd taken the club as far as they could since first taking over on a permanent basis in April 2013 as the successors to Mark Harper.

McPherson paid tribute to the management duo after assuring fans that the hunt was already on to replace them.

He said: "Supporters should rest assured that we have already begun the search for a new manager but this evening is about offering our thanks and best wishes to Paul and Darren.

"I took a call earlier this evening from Paul Barry and he explained his decision to me. It was not a nice conversation to have as we as a board have only good things to say about them both. I feel that the fact that they have come to this decision speaks volumes for them both.

"They could have continued but for the good of the club they want to allow another manager the opportunity to come in try to turn things around. For that, they need enormous credit. They will both be welcome at Hampton & Richmond any time."

He added: "I feel tonight the players need to be asking themselves some tough questions. Their performances have not helped and I feel they have let themselves and Paul and Darren down at times."

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