Howell stuns fans by standing down

Howell stood down to replace Tommy Widdrington at Priory Lane after more than 3,000 fans at Nyewood Lane saw his side beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 on Bank Holiday Monday to earn promotion to National League South next season.

The 40-year-old unanimous choice of the Eastbourne Borough board had been in charge for the Rocks for seven years after two seasons in the hot-seat at Burgess Hill Town.

Rocks supporters were wishing their former manager well on Wednesday afternoon despite the blow coming so soon after securing promotion via the play-offs after missing out on the title and automatic promotion to champions Havant & Waterlooville.

Dave Robinson, a leading figure on the Rocks’ supporters’ club, told bognor.co.uk: “I’m gutted – absolutely gutted. He’ll go with fans’ very best wishes but they will be disappointed.

“Rumour has it Eastbourne are spending plenty of money, but are they a bigger club than Bognor? They’ve not done much since they came back down to the National League South.”

Ian Guppy, also prominent in the supporters’ club, said on the fans’ messageboard: “Jamie and Dabba have got the club back to the level just before they were appointed and with the new academy set up for next season, we are in a much better place.

“Thank you Jamie, you’re a club legend and I wish you all the success in the world fulfilling your dream to manage full-time. Just don’t take six points off us next season.”

Fan Barry Anderson posted: “A true Bognor legend - as player and manager - Jamie’s achievements in the latter role are all the more remarkable when you consider the position we were in when he and Dabba took over."

Moregeriatricfan told fellow supporters: “Absolutely gutted to hear the news. Jamie will be missed so much. He is a Rocks legend.”

Howell told theargus.co.uk on Wednesday: “Having spent 20 years at Bognor Regis Town as a player and a manager I felt it was time for another chapter in my career and I am very grateful to Bognor and wish them well in the future.

“I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage at Eastbourne Borough. The club has been left with an excellent platform for me to work with and I cannot wait to start the process to bring success to Priory Lane.

"My role will encompass the 1st XI and overseeing the Academy structure as I want us to be known for playing attractive and winning football with a nucleus of players coming thorough our academy.”

Images courtesy of @rocks1883

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