HOMELESS TIGERS ARE RUDDERLESS AS LOYAL TIM QUITS

STALWART Tim Harris says his decision to stand down as manager of homeless Gloucester City this week after more than 300 games in charge was made with “a heavy heart”.

The long-serving boss reckons the perils of playing 11 years outside of the city is taking its toll on the Tigers with the club also struggling in the lower reaches of National League South.

Harris admitted he had spent the last six months deliberating on whether to end his second spell with the club with his announcement coinciding with a difficult period of restructure off the field and a wretched run on it, with the Tigers having won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions.

“It’s with a heavy heart that this morning I have resigned from Gloucester City,” Harris told dejected fans in a statement on Thursday. “For those that know me, it’s a decision I’ve not taken lightly, and it’s been something I have wrestled with for at least the last six months.

“At the end of last season, I expressed my concern publicly that the club could not continue without changing the structure and it shouldn’t keep relying on the goodwill of people that put in the endless hours a week that it takes to run a club at this level.

“Recently, I surpassed 300 games managing this club, a record that I am proud of, though there is no doubt the club needs to change.

“To say we have been punching above our weight is a massive understatement and the club needs some investment, some structure and business acumen if it is to maintain any hope of returning home at this level.

“We have lost a generation of supporters, it’s nearly 11 years since we played in our city, and many fans have become disillusioned during this time. I do feel for those supporters who travel away and away for home games.

“I sincerely hope they understand my position. I informed the players after training on Tuesday evening of my decision and I have said to them they must go out and show a high standard; nothing more would please me than to see them win the game against Eastbourne Borough this weekend.”

Chairman Ian Compton told of his sadness at Harris’ departure, adding: “The dedication, commitment and enthusiasm shown by Tim in his time at Gloucester City will forever be appreciated by everyone connected with the club.

“Tim’s passion for this club is unlikely to be replicated and the achievements of last season – finishing tenth in arguably the most competitive league in Non-League football – typifies his qualities as a top class manager.

“I have known Tim for a long time and whilst respecting his reasoning behind his decision, I, like all supporters, was devastated by the news.”

Player/coach Will Morford took caretaker charge for yesterday’s home match against Eastbourne Borough.