Hunt starts to replace club's most successful boss

By David Watters

Barkingside

Barkingside chairman Jimmy Flanagan has spoken of his regret at Matt Frew's decision to stand down as he launched the hunt to find a successor for the most successful manager in the Ryman North club's history.

Frew, who guided the 'Side to promotion into the Ryman League as Essex Senior League runners-up in 2012-13 and secured safety last season after four years at the helm, resigned over the weekend in the wake of the club's third from bottom finish after a 2-2 draw at Tilbury on the final day of the season.

Flanagan says he hopes to appoint a new manager as soon as possible after undertaking a "thorough" search to replace Frew, pictured, who was made a life president of the club only last week to acknowledge his status as the most successful manager in the Essex outfit's history.

In a statement paying tribute to Frew who also won the Essex Senior League Cup in 2013, Flanagan said: "I have been left reeling by Matt's decision to step down as Barkingside manager but I understood my friend's decision.

"As far as I'm concerned Burger has been under-rewarded for his efforts in his position as club manager but it's just down to circumstances beyond the club's control. Matt cannot be praised highly enough for what he's done for us, indeed only this season he's had to build two teams, due to an exodus of players during the year.

"He's given us a fighting-chance of staying up automatically and to do that with a budget beggars belief, let alone to do it without having a budget. That's why prior to hearing the news that he was leaving I had already decided to make him a life president of the club.

"He has been the most successful manager that the club's had in their entire history and I have no doubt that the club would never have reached the Ryman League had Burgs not been appointed manager several years ago. I have been truly blessed to have met Burger and I hope that we will always remain friends."

Looking ahead, he added: "The position of first-team manager will now be advertised, whilst consulting with the players and staff about the appointment. The person who comes in needs to understand how we are as a club and how it takes a certain type of person to manage this club.

"It's as much about their qualities as a person as it is about their managerial experience so the appointment will be thought about thoroughly. Hopefully, the current group of players will remain loyal to the club as an important part of the future with Danny Lee and the Under 21's coming through.

"Lastly as ever, it's important the the club can obtain some sponsorship and we will be visiting our local community in the coming weeks to secure this. The club hope to find out in the next week if they will remain a Ryman North club or whether we will return to the Essex Senior League after two years absence."

Image courtesy of George Phillipou/TGSPHOTO

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