Bird leaves his nest

Leatherhead have announced the departure of manager Hayden Bird following Sunday's Play Off Final defeat at Marlow.

In a statement, they explained:

'Following a season which saw us improve, achieve a play-off final, but which ultimately saw us falling
short of being promoted, the club has decided to change direction and move forward under new
management on the pitch.

Hayden joined at a difficult time for the club on and off the pitch, and was a key part of stabilising
and then helping us move the club forwards. He has worked tirelessly and successfully in
establishing a settled team and improved performances, so we would like to place on record our
thanks and gratitude to Hayden for managing the team over the last 18 months and wish him well
for the future, he will always be welcome at Fetcham Grove.'

Hayden became Tanners boss in October 2022 and turned around a poor start to their South Central tenure. He left Kingstonian the previous June, having been in charge since the summer of 2019, and delivered a number of famous cup runs for the K's, although his side didn't manage to trouble the Premier Play Off Places. He was a Play Off Finalist with Merstham, however, reaching the showpiece in 2018-19, where his side were defeated by Tonbridge Angels. He then departed Moatside for the K's, and took the vast majority of his squad with him.

More here.

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