SCOTT GOT THE LOT – THEN WE AXED HIM!
WALTON & HERSHAM have defended their decision to sack popular manager Scott Harris in the midst of a challenge for a FOURTH successive promotion.
The Southern League Premier South club have been heavily criticised by their own fans for parting company with Harris, who led the Swans to three successive promotions from the depths of Step 6, a League Cup success and oversaw a 700 per cent increase in attendances at Stompond Lane.
The decision came after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Hendon left the club just five points off a play-off place in their first season back at Step 3.
In an strangely-worded statement on Monday, the Surrey club, owned by a seven-person consortium of 24-year-old former students, waxed lyrical over Harris’ fouryear tenure at the club without explaining the reason for his departure.
Then, following widespread criticism, the club released a second statement where it was revealed that Harris had offered his resignation earlier in the season.
It went on to explain how “a comprehensive review” resulted in the decision to cut ties with Harris at the end of the season, although the angry boss opted to walk out there and then.
The second statement read: “Earlier this season, Scott tendered his resignation as first team manager to the board.
“This came as a complete shock, and was unanimously rejected by the board for two reasons. Firstly, we owed it to Scott to stand firmly by him during a difficult period, and secondly, felt that he was entitled to depart the club under more favourable circumstances – with the chance to receive a send-off befitting his outstanding achievements at W&H.
“With the help of first team head coach Billy Rowley, Scott reneged on his decision to step away from the club, to the great relief of the board.
“We re-iterated that the only expectation was to establish ourselves in the Southern League, and to lay the foundations for seasons to come – something that has been achieved with great success this season.
“As proud stewards of this great club, we are committed to its continued long-term success. With the core aim of establishing ourselves in the Southern League clearly achieved, we recently undertook a comprehensive review of how the club operates.
“We concluded that significant changes were needed in respect to footballing operations, and consequently came to the immensely difficult decision to part ways with Scott, effective following the conclusion of the 23/24 season.
“This decision was communicated to Scott on Monday with the club strongly wanting him to see out the season as manager and receive a richly-deserved send-off. Regretfully, Scott departed the club with immediate effect, and his decision to do so is one we completely understand and respect.”
Harris declined to comment.