Jenkins pays the price at Wands

By David Watters

Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers expect to name their new manager within 24 hours after parting company with Ian Jenkins.

Jenkins, pictured, the second longest serving manager in the Ryman League after Wealdstone’s Gordon Bartlett, paid the price on Friday for a terrible start to the season that has seen the rock-bottom Wands record only a single win and a draw from 11 league outings and also exit the FA Cup.

The 40-year-old had been at the Wands for 23 years, including 14 as manager after taking over in 1999. During his tenure he led the Kent outfit to two promotions and numerous cup successes. Wanderers Chairman Gary Hillman called Jenkins his ‘best mate’ but said results had left him with no option with the club in need of a lift on and off the pitch.

Hillman said: "To say that’s it's been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life is a bit of an under-statement. He is the most passionate man I know about the club and my best mate. I still believe he's the best manager in the Ryman Premier League but he has become a victim of the recent circumstances which were out of his control.

“Ever since London Borough of Bromley refused our planning application for our new ground there has been an atmosphere of doom and gloom around the club. This has resulted in sponsors pulling out, staff leaving, gates and income down and left Jenko with no playing budget. Things have just gone from bad to worst over the last couple of weeks and really couldn’t see us getting out of this mess unless something changed."

Hillman’s hopes have been boosted by news that local politicians are getting on board to back plans to bring them home from exile in Bromley. The Orpington Labour Party is planning to leaflet the area in support and have also pledged to back the Wands' dream in upcoming local elections.

The Chairman added: "We will be putting in another planning application soon and it’s vital that the atmosphere changes and we can get back to winning ways. Hopefully a new management team will do this and we hope to be making a further announcement in the next 24 hours."

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