A Sports story ends

By Ian Townsend

Hullbridge Sports boss Darren Manning departs


In a short statement last night, Hullbridge Sports announced the departure of manager Darren Manning and his second in command, James Wakeling.

'Hullbridge Sports FC confirms that both Darren Manning & James Wakeling have been relieved of their duties at the Club.

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank both of them for their hard work and achievement of securing promotion to the Isthmian League.'

Sports are currently third from bottom of the Pitching In Isthmian North Division, and don't yet have a win this season- although recent draws with Aveley and Canvey Island perhaps suggested that a corner was being turned. They were sixteenth in both of our previous- unfinished- seasons, after Manning and Wakeling guided them to promotion from the Essex Senior League during their first season in charge. The decision comes one year, almost to the day, that Sports defeated Witham Town seven-nil.

This isn't the first time the duo have left the club- they departed and returned in June last year, being away for less than a fortnight- but this departure looks rather more final. Manning responded on Twitter:

'Not sure what to say or feel at the moment … to be sacked from a club you care deeply about isn’t nice! Football is a cruel game.

From bottom of the ESL to competing in the Isthmian league .. couldn’t be prouder of my team and I.'

Where next?

Highlights from the weekend! As we look forward to a collection of FA Cup replays this evening, here are the highlights from Saturday afternoon
Copeland Swan Dquame Copeland goes to Staines Town

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