Merstham start manager hunt

Merstham have just finished the best season in their history, attaining fifth place in the Bostik Premier Division and reaching the Playoff Final. But this afternoon manager Hayden Bird has decided that he has taken the club as far as he possibly can, and tendered his resignation.

Speaking to the Merstham website, Hayden stated:

"Having met the Directors this week, it has become clear that my job is completed here. As a Club, we have been punching above our weight and the Directors deserve great credit in the way they have supported the team and our ambitions. Moving forward, we all agree it is going to be a difficult task to take Merstham onto the next level. Although the Directors remain completely supportive, I know the finances required to complete the step and having been looked after so well, I do not think it is fair to ask the Club to do this.

Therefore, rather than place the club and the directors under any unnecessary pressure, I have decided to resign and take a new challenge."

The club expressed their gratitude to Hayden, and their disappointment at his departure:

"We are hugely disappointed that Hayden has resigned. We would like to place on record our thanks and our appreciation for all his hard work and the unprecendented success he has brought Merstham Football Club in his time here. We know he will be a hard act to follow. We wish him all the very best and now we begin the difficult task of seeking a replacement."

Please click the link above to read the entire statement from both parties.