Family affair ends at Brickies

By David Watters

Sittingbourne

Ryman South Sittingbourne have parted company with joint managers Jim and Danny Ward.

The Brickies announced on Tuesday night that the Scottish brothers had left Woodstock Park by 'mutual agreement'. They took over in May 2011 following the resignation of Joe Dowley and led the club to a ninth place finish last term, their second season at the helm.

The pair left after a poor start to the new campaign that has left the club second from bottom. Despite guiding the Brickies to a 1-0 win over Chessington & Hook in the FA Cup's Preliminary Round on Saturday, they had seen their side lose five of their opening six league games.

Sittingbourne say coach Matt Wyatt has taken over as caretaker as the hunt gets underway to appoint a new manager or management team. Wyatt will be assisted by Brickies skipper and experienced defender Nick Davis, with the pair taking charge for the first time on Saturday when they host Worthing on Non-League Day.

Sittingbourne Secretary John Pitts paid tribute to the Ward brothers following their departure. Pitts said: "The club would like to thank them for their contribution to Sittingbourne Football Club over the past two seasons."

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