Flanagan quits Millers for Blues post

Brentwood Town are expected to confirm former Aveley coach Adam Flanagan and Danny Dafter as their new management team on Friday after Les Whitton stood down as manager at the Ryman North’s Blues.

Whitton took over at the Brentwood Arena in the summer and left with the club second from bottom after winning just two league games since August.

Former Blues midfielder Dafter and Dagenham & Redbridge defender Flanagan, pictured, played together at Dartford. They face a baptism of fire on Saturday with the Blues heading to basement side Waltham Forest in a relegation six pointer.

Ryman North rivals Aveley announced Flanagan’s departure as head coach in a statement released at lunchtime on Thursday. Millers manager Justin Gardner paid tribute to his work and wished him the best of luck in making his managerial debut. "Flanners said he didn't want to leave us in the lurch before we found a replacement but recent events have forced our hands," said Gardner. "I want to wish him all the best at Brentwood and I know he will do a fantastic job."

Flanagan is looking forward to getting down to work at Brentwood. With no time to say proper goodbyes, he thanked everyone from the fans to the tea ladies at Mill Field for helping him enjoy his time there and prepare him for his new role.

He said: "Events have unfolded that have meant that I am unable to say goodbye to the players and familiar faces I have got to know during my time being involved with Aveley FC. To the lads I would like to thank them for carrying me when I played, and as a coach for listening to me and taking on board the message I was trying to give.

"To Justin [Gardner] I would like to say that I can’t put in words my gratitude for giving me a platform into coaching and that what you do under the financial restraints is highly underestimated outside of Aveley.

"And to all the other people - Esther [club physio], the kit man, the tea ladies - thank you for everything you did while I was with you. I wish Justin, the team and Aveley every success for the remainder of the season and in the future."

Flanagan returns to Mill Field on Boxing Day when Brentwood take on Aveley in Ryman North.