Pic: Petersfield Town FC
JOHN ROBSON is back again as manager of Petersfield Town, just days after he was sacked following his return to the club.
The highly-experienced boss was announced as Petersfield’s new manager last month, returning for his second spell in charge of the Rams having helped the club into the Ryman League back in the 1980s.
However, he lasted just a month before being relieved of his duties last week after winning one and losing three of his league games in charge.
Chairman Graeme Moir explained the decision, saying “things were not developing in the way we had hoped they would” and that “the situation required myself and the committee to look at what was going on”.
Gary Lines, who was named Robson’s replacement, will revert to his role as director of football after Robson was reinstated just before Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aylesbury United in the Southern Central.
Chief Moir had investigated the “internal situation” at the club before deciding to fire Robson although he had quickly realised it had been a “flawed” decision.
Moir added: “More evidence came to light which contradicted the outcomes of the investigation I held into the internal situation at the club.
“Having looked into the new evidence further it became apparent that the basis on which we made our decision was no longer the truth and that the original decision had become a flawed one.
“Gary Lines initiated a meeting between him, Robson, myself and John Geddes. It was a very amicable meeting in which I offered my unreserved apologies to John – which he accepted – and he then accepted our offer for him to return to the club as first team manager.
“We then went straight to another meeting with the players at which John was re-introduced to them as their manager again, and this was greeted by cheering and applause by all of the players present.
“I apologise unreservedly to John for what has happened. As I have said throughout this process John is a very well respected man and one of the great characters of Non-League football and the way he has conducted himself throughout the last week shows that the plaudits and respect he is shown is very much deserved.
“I also apologise to anyone at the club – players, volunteers, supporters, etc – who has been upset and/or unhappy by the actions we have taken this week. I hope by putting this matter right you will continue to give the club your time and backing.”
