Sykes Departs Relegated Foresters

Cinderford Town, relegated from the Pitching In Southern League Division One South after finishing second-from-bottom, have announced the departure of manager Alex Sykes.

Following a meeting with Chairman Nick Simonds, Sykes reluctantly decided to relinquish his position for the forthcoming season.

The club have placed on record its appreciation for the tremendous effort Sykes and his assistant Will Morford have put in to try to retain the Foresters` Southern League status.

The club are now actively looking for a new manager to ensure a successful forthcoming season in what will most probably be the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division, and a rebuild to get the club back into the Southern League, where they enjoyed a fantastic 28 seasons unbroken membership - a major achievement for a small Gloucestershire town.

Sykes, the former Forest Gren Rovers and Gloucester City midfielder, who has previously managed Bishops Cleeve and Shortwood United, told his club’s website: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to step down as manager of Cinderford Town. The last 16 months have been nothing short of a roller coaster and one where a decent author would still struggle to conjure up a fabulous fictional novel with some of the events that have unravelled.

“Having tried to do everything in my powers (with the help of the board, my back room staff and my players) to keep the club at the level, we have unfortunately failed. Ultimately as the manager you have to take responsibility- and this I can do, knowing I have done everything possible to make improvements along the way, with good grace and intentions at all times.

“After walking in the door and only having 9 points last season, I know that we have made significant improvements. However, this has still not been enough. I believe in the `All Blacks` mantra of leaving the shirt in a better place, I have certainly done that and wish the club the very best of luck in moving forwards with whatever may come next.

“A huge thank you to all the incredible support from everyone at the club including both chairmen I have had the pleasure to serve under, the board, volunteers and those loyal fans.”

Interested Manager candidates are invited to send in their CV as soon as possible to: chairman@cinderfordtown.co.uk

Cinderford Town Web Site