Relegation candidates part company with manager

Relegated Redhill have ended their six year association with manager Mike Maher.

The former youth team manager at the Lobsters was appointed in March 2012 as the successor to Simon Colbran.

Maher steered the Surrey club into the Ryman League in his first season at the helm but stood on Friday following the club's second from bottom finish which left them seven points from safety.

Acting chairman Jerry O’Leary said: “It was a very difficult decision indeed and not one that has taken lightly, especially considering the enormous value Mike has added to the club since arriving here as youth team manager in 2009.

"Under his management, the club has exceeded all expectations with strong runs in recent FA Cup and FA Youth Cup campaigns, and he will long remembered at this club for gaining promotion to the Ryman League in 2013 in his first year as first team manager."

He added: “These are transformational times for Redhill Football Club who are working hard behind the scenes to shape and develop the existing infrastructure so that the club can be more competitive in the future. This includes a change of approach to first team management as well as a change in culture across the club as a whole."

Maher is expected to continue working with Redhill's youth section and the club's director of football Nigel Abbott said: “Mike quickly transformed an ailing youth set up and his high standards of coaching and player development has brought a steady stream of young talent through the reserve and first teams, and indeed on to higher levels in the game.

"He brought a refreshing energy, commitment and enthusiasm to the club and his commitment and professionalism was never in doubt. I am delighted to add that we will continue to benefit from Mike’s coaching expertise as we jointly develop our academy plans in collaboration with Coulsdon College."

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