K's boss departs

Kingstonian yesterday announced the departure of manager Simon Lane.

Kingstonian Chairman Yioryos Vasilaras explained:

"Simon and myself have had numerous discussions this week, after a final discussion this morning, I mutually accepted Simon's resignation.

Kingstonian- Simon Lane statement pt 1

Firstly I would like to thank Simon for working tirelessly last season to keep us up. I've known Simon for the best part of 15 years and know what it meant to him to finally be appointed as manager of our great club last February when he came in.

However this season, with a playing budget identical to last season's budget, despite Simon's best endeavours, results have not been acceptable, based on us gaining just 3 points out of the last 45 available points in the league and our last league win coming in October last year when we beat Folkestone Invicta 3-0.

Simon has struggled to sign the right quality of player at various stages this season, he wanted assurances that I just could not give him, as nothing is guaranteed in football as it is in life, and equallly he wasn't willing to commit to our project whole-heartedly due in part to both his personal and professional life moving forward.

Our discussions this week have been amicable, ultimately I feel that Simon leaving is the right decision for both parties at this stage - Simon is a fantastic person, he's professional, extremely hard working and has a genuine love for the club."

Read the entire club statement here.

Simon later released his own statement via social media, which we include in the interests of balance exactly as he wrote it, using the images he posted. Sadly our website gives no control over where the images are positioned in the article, so apologies if they clash!

Simon took over at the club almost a year ago to the day, moving up from Pitching In Isthmian South Central side Westfield.

Simon has been in charge at Woking Park since the summer of 2020. He was previously manager and Director of Football at Wingate and Finchley, and has managed Windsor & Eton, Maltese side Naxxar Lions, Northwood, Egham Town and Hayes & Yeading United.

He is a UEFA A Licenced coach, and has also worked at Maidenhead United as a coach.

More here.

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