Matt Longhurst’s four year reign at BetVictor Isthmian League East Grinstead Town has ended with his sacking.
The former Erith & Belvedere and Corinthian boss, pictured, was axed on Thursday with the Wasps struggling at the foot of the Isthmian League South East Division table.
Longhurst’s number two Grant Hearn and club captain Drew Cooney are set to take charge on Saturday when the club host Three Bridges and again on Tuesday night for the arrival of Whitehawk at East Court.
Appointed in October 2015, Longhurst left the Wasps five points adrift at the bottom of the table with just five points on the board having failed to win any of their first 14 league outings.
Longhurst – who stood down as Wasps boss in March 2017 to become assistant manager at Hastings United before returning within two weeks to retake the helm – guided the club to a 13th placed finish last season, the highest placing in their history.
Club Statement – the club can confirm that 1st team manager Matt Longhurst has today left his position by mutual consent. Further information on https://t.co/28gX9CLcTU
— East Grinstead Town (@egtfcwasps) December 12, 2019
The Wasps paid tribute to Longhurst in a statement on their website and Twitter announcing his departure .
“During his four years in the role, Matt guided East Grinstead Town FC to our highest position in the club’s history and we are grateful for his undisputed commitment and hard work.
“However, results this season have been disappointing and haven’t met the expectations of either Matt or the club’s committee and it was mutually agreed that a change was needed. We wish Matt all the best for the future.
“We have asked assistant manager Grant Hearn and club captain Drew Cooney to look after the team on Saturday when we play Three Bridges and next Tuesday’s game against Whitehawk.”
While anyone can just get lucky on casino sites, Hearn and Cooney will need more than good fortune to save turn around the club’s season before the responsibility passes to a permanent manager.
Follow their progress this weekend and the club’s hunt for a new manager in The Non-League Paper this Sunday.
Image courtesy of Andy Nunn
