Trenkel ends four year reign

Trenkel, 32, stood down on Wednesday following Tuesday's 4-1 defeat at home to Barkingside and a run of results that had seen his side win just one of their last 11 outings.

Following his departure, Rovers chairman Tony Butcher confirmed: "We have some very important games coming up and the players need stability. We won't be waiting around as we have been impressed with the high calibre of the candidates who've already come forward, people who know this club and the league."

Since taking the helm in 2011 Trenkel had managed the club 191 times, guiding Rovers back into the Ryman League as player-manager last season after securing an Essex Senior League league and cup double with the help of assistant manager Gary Ansell, pictured on the right with their silverware.

Rovers officials had hoped the club veteran, who made his club debut aged 17 back in 2001 and found the net 122 times in 442 appearances, would reconsider his position and stay on at Burroughs Park.

Ansell will take charge this weekend with Rovers away at Waltham Abbey on Saturday in Ryman North action and in a statement on their website, the club said: “It is with great regret that the club has accepted the resignation of first team manager Dan Trenkel.

“We wish to thank Dan for his hard work since being appointed manager. Dan has worked tirelessly throughout this period as a player-manager and the club are fully understanding of his reasons behind his decision.

“Dan took over at a difficult time for the club and, despite a difficult start where the club was relegated shortly after his appointment, he rebuilt the team to win promotion back to the Ryman League following a double winning Essex Senior League season in 2013-14. All at the club would like to thank Dan for his hard work and dedication to the club."

Trenkel explained his decision to put his management career on hold to concentrate on playing in a heartfelt statement to fans on the club's website.

Trenkel said: "After the disappointing defeat to Barkingside I tendered my resignation as manager of Great Wakering Rovers. After being advised to think it over, I did so overnight. However, I didn't feel any different, so my resignation was accepted by the club.

"I have been at the club on and off for some 16 years and I have cherished every one of my 442 appearances and can remember every one of my 122 goals. To see my name directly underneath John Heffer in the appearance records is something I'm immensely proud of.

"The current crop of first-team players are very talented and the squad will only get stronger. I wish all of the management and players the very best, not only this season but for the rest of their careers.

"I was in charge for 191 matches and there are eight or nine players who have made well over 100 appearances for me during my tenure, and I regard all the players as friends. In Gary Ansell they have a person who is very knowledgeable and having worked alongside him, I'm positive he can take the boys on a step.

"I would just like to thank every player that ever turned out for me and everyone at the club who has supported me through the good times and more importantly the bad. I leave with my head held high and a record as the clubs most successful manager, from a trophy winning perspective, which is something I'm very proud of.

"It's been a fantastic four years as manager. Yet, I feel I have more to offer as a player, so I am not interested in looking at other management opportunities at the moment. I, like every other manager, put seven days a week effort into the role, which alongside my day job has taken it's toll."

"I want to get back to just being able to play football. I took a step back from playing a lot this year in order to concentrate on my management of the team, but I realised that I am still good enough to play and so I will try and get back into the playing side of things as soon as I can.

"I've already had one or two offers but I am just having a few days breathing space for now before I decide what to do next."

He added: "I wish the club, it's committee, all team managers and players the very best of luck. It is a superb club with some great people involved and associated with it.

"I wish every player success as I know they have the potential, I just hope that whom ever replaces me as manager can get the best out of them."

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