Meeney steps down but stays on

Appointed as joint-manager alongside Gary Elphick in June 2015 following the departure of Adam Hinshelwood, Meeney, pictured, stood down on Wednesday with immediate effect after originally informing club officials at the weekend that he would go at the end of the season.

The duo guided Worthing to promotion from the Ryman League South Division play-offs in their first season and Meeney is not leaving the club altogether. While Elphick will take sole charge for the first time on Saturday when Kingstonian visit the Bibby Financial Services Stadium, Meeney is set to continue as head of the club’s development centre.

In a statement on Thursday, Meeney also insisted there was no animosity behind his early departure by mutual consent before hailing the success of the club since he took the helm with Elphick.

Meeney, pictured, said: “The decision was in agreement between all behind the scenes at Worthing and I’ve left with immediate effect. It’s important for Gary to implement his ideas and plans for next season now.

“After I’ve had time to reflect, hopefully I will fulfil a role at a first team as coach or manager and begin a new chapter in my career. Anyone who knows me knows I love coaching players and preparing a team Monday to Friday for a game at the weekend or midweek.

“It is disappointing to be leaving, after two years of the five-year plan George Dowell and the board set out. But I’m leaving the club in a better position than when I came in and I’m sure the club will continue to progress under the leadership of Gary Elphick, with Matt Piper and Mick Fogden.

“There’s no animosity, I’m fully behind Gary and we’re very good friends off the pitch. We’re both ready to be our own man, we’re both knowledgeable and have our own different styles and it’s important to have one focal point."

He added: “I’ll now take a step back, self-reflect and review what went well. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, hopefully I’ll continue moving forward and reach my ambitions.

"I want to manage as high as possible and be preparing a team from Monday to Friday. This has been part of the journey in my career in a first-team environment and I want to be in the pro game, either coaching or managing.”

Elphick, who will be assisted by Matt Piper following his promotion from first team coach, said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better first two years in management and Jon Meeney played a major part in that. Everything with Jon is completely amicable and we remain good friends; I’ve every belief that he will go on to bigger and better things."

He added: “I’m looking forward to ending this season in positive fashion with these last four games and have big plans going forward."

Thanking Meeney, a club spokesman said: “The club is saddened to be losing Jon but wishes him every success on his continued journey in football. The board would like to place on record its deep respect and appreciation for the hard work and dedication Jon has shown during his years with the club.”

Image courtesy of Twitter/@WorthingFC

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