Leaders lose their leader

Canvey Island, undefeated and top of the Pitching In Isthmian North Division, suffered a major blow last night as manager Mark Bentley was unveiled as the new first team coach at National League Southend United. He will be working alongside Head Coach Kevin Maher and Assistant Head Coach Darren Currie.

Chairman John Batch told the club website:

"I got on really well with Mark and appreciate everything he has done for the club during his time here.

He leaves the club in an excellent position and I understand that this is an opportunity that was too good to turn down for his career, going back to a club where he had so much success as a player.

We put a lot of thought into Mark's appointment as manager, and I think that time has shown that this was a good decision. We will put just as much thought into his replacement to bring in the right person to lead this exceptional group of players."

John also invited applications for the now vacant post, and interested parties should send him an email.

Mark has completed just over three years as manager of the Gulls, and was previously the boss at Grays Athletic. As a player, he made almost one hundred appearances for the Shrimpers, and almost two hundred at Gillingham.

Read the full club statement here.

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