Duff pays the penalty after Buckland FA Vase defeat

BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Adam Castle says Buckland Athletic have had a ‘huge amount of interest’ in the manager’s job following the dismissal of Craig Duff on Saturday night.

Player-boss Duff, in his first managerial job at 29, was relieved of his duties after Buckland crashed out of the FA Vase – a competition in which they reached the quarter finals just two seasons ago – at the first hurdle this time.

An injury-time penalty winner by visitors Newquay was the final straw for the board at Homers Heath, and director of football Castle, who lives in Ireland.

After close runs at promotion over the last four seasons, Duff’s record of one win in five in the Premier Division of the Western League, coupled with the loss of key players after the season had begun, some choosing to play for the reserves instead, was in the end not good enough.

The 1-0 defeat by Newquay from the Peninsula League, a level lower than Buckland, was the final straw.

Richard Groves did hit the Newquay crossbar at the death – but that was as close as Buckland got.

Liam Jones, a young defender making his debut after signing from Teignmouth, was also sent off after a clumsy challenge. It was a tough day all round.

Castle said: “It was a very disappointing decision to make, coming so early in the season. However, the results are a concern and so is the amount of turnover.

“With so many players leaving it almost became a rebuilding job for Craig, rather than a continuation of last season’s success.

“With players committed elsewhere, Craig was finding it difficult to attract the players of the calibre we were hoping for.

“He did his very best and I enjoyed working with him. I

Liam Head wins a header against Newquay know I speak for the club when I wish Craig all the success for the future.”

Duff was a rookie manager. Now Castle says the club will change tack.

“I think this time we will be looking for someone with a proven track record and experience in man management,” said Castle. “That’s not an easy skill to have but it absolutely essential.”

Castle will take temporary charge, as he did last season when Ellis Laight left the club, and he will again be assisted by Ben Robinson and Steve Giles, while the search for the next manager takes place.

That scenario worked well in the final months of last season, with the team pushing hard for a promotion place, and winning the Western League’s Les Phillips Cup for the first time.

A new player, former Exeter City youngster Mitch Thomas, has already arrived. And Josh Webber has now returned from Stoke Gabriel.

And that new manager? “In 24 hours we have had a huge amount of interest,” said Castle.

Richard Hughes