Assistant takes managerial role at Eastbourne
CHAIRMAN David Bloxham insists Cheltenham Town did all they could to persuade assistant manager Adam Murray to stay with the club.
The 42-year-old has departed to become manager of National League South club Eastbourne Borough, just two-and-a-half months after being appointed Robins boss Darrell’s Clarke’s number two.
Former AFC Fylde boss Murray was offered a significant pay increase to remain at the Completely-suzuki Stadium, but he eventually opted to depart for a return to frontline management.
“Darrell initially wanted Adam as his assistant, so we appointed him on terms with which he was very happy and which facilitated a smooth departure for him from Fylde,” Bloxham said.
“On the day of the Reading game (December 29), Adam texted the gaffer and said he’d had an ‘unbelievable offer’ on terms that he couldn’t turn down.
“Darrell made it clear he wanted to keep Adam, so we offered him a 45 per cent increase in salary, along with a staying up bonus, making him by far and away the highest paid assistant manager we’ve ever had. He accepted the offer and was grateful.
“He went back to Eastbourne to say he wasn’t interested, but it’s my understanding that after sacking their manager, they went back to him and said ‘what do you want?’ and made him an offer that was not viable for us to compete with.”
Cheltenham were informed of Murray’s decision on Thursday morning.
“He said “Sorry, I am no longer prepared to accept what you offered and I am going to Eastbourne.’” Bloxham said.
“We have had no contact at all with Eastbourne, which is very disappointing.
“Adam has effectively broken a deal we agreed very recently and he has not gone in accordance with the terms of his contract.”
Unlike manager Clarke, Murray was not tied down on a fixed, long-term contract, but there was a significant notice period required should he decide to depart, which has not been served.
“There is always a risk in putting an assistant manager on a fixed-term contract because if it doesn’t work out, it can be very expensive,” Bloxham said.
“I am confident the club did everything it could to keep Adam and while we are disappointed he’s decided to go in breach of contract, Darrell is brilliant.
“He manages situations so calmly, so
I am confident that we have an excellent first team manager who will secure the services of an equally capable replacement.”
Manager Clarke said after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Portsmouth: “Adam is a great lad and he’s moved on for another opportunity.
“I have a really good staff here. Inexperienced, but hungry and they can’t give me any more and I am trying to add to that.
“It’ll take as long as it takes. I want to get the right person.
“A lot of people have been picking the phone up and sending me their CVS, which is fine. I will narrow it down and interview two or three for it.
“It has to be the fit I am after and I am very fussy.
“I am not a rookie manager and I’ve managed loads of games, done it all. Adam was great, disappointed to have lost him, but you get on with your jobs.
“We’ve had a lot of kicks in the teeth this season and the lads keep responding, so we’ll keep trying to do that.”
The former Barnsley, West Bromwich Albion, Port Vale and Besiktas coach joined the Robins in October immediately after leaving his role as manager of AFC Fylde.
Murray, 42, guided Fylde to the National League North title last season.
After two-and-a-half months as Darrell Clarke’s number two at the Completely-suzuki Stadium, he now returns to management.
Eastbourne are 21st in the National League South table and they parted company with boss Mark Beard on New Year’s Day following a 4-0 home defeat by Worthing.
A statement from Cheltenham Town said: “We can confirm that assistant manager Adam Murray has left the club with immediate effect after accepting a role at a National League South club.
“Adam informed the board of directors of his decision to pursue a managerial position on Thursday morning.
“The search for his replacement is already underway.”
Eastbourne chairman Simon Leslie told the club website: “It was a really important that we found an appointment who could continue with our desire to support players who have been let down by football, and in Adam Murray I believe we have found the right candidate.
“He has a proven track record of winning as a player and as a manager, as well as the exceptional turnaround he’s overseen at Cheltenham Town in recent months.
“He is buying into our vision, and that made the decision a no-brainer for us. The group are naturally low on confidence, and I believe Adam will turn that around.”
In his first game, Decarrey Sheriff’s stoppage time strike earned Murray a point from a 2-2 draw at former Robins boss Gary Johnson’s Torquay United.
Borough went in front at the break courtesy of Callum Kealy’s strike but Dillon De Silva and Will Jenkins Davies put Torquay ahead before the late drama.