ENFIELD TOWN have parted company with manager Steve Newing.
Newing took charge of the Towners in 2009 and led them to 12th in Ryman Division One North in 2008/09.
He and first-team coach Jason Dale then guided the club to three successive top six finishes, eventually achieving promotion via the play-offs last season.
However, the north London club have made a disappointing start to the 2013/14 campaign and have picked up only 12 points from their first 16 league fixtures.
That form has seen the club’s board decide a change of direction is needed and they have now dispensed of Newing’s services.
A statement posted on the club’s website said: “While reinforcing the side over the summer, the squad has not shown the required improvement and although the board realise that Steve has worked hard to further improve performances that has not been evident in results. With a deteriorating league position, it was decided that a change was needed.
“The club wants to thank Steve for all his hard work during his time with the club and also for the success he brought. He has given many cherished memories to the club in his time as manager. This has not been an easy decision. The board would like to thanks Steve and Jason for all their hard work over the years.”
Newing himself commented: “This season things haven’t progressed as anticipated and after a reasonable opening month to the campaign, a points haul of 10 from seven games which is lower to mid table form, we have seen both points and performances drop away since.
“Some have told me prior to and since the news broke that some of the players have let me down, well I will let others pass comment on that, I know ultimately they are the players I select so if they have or they haven’t, it is irrelevant, the buck stops with me.
“I will leave Enfield Town FC not as I would have liked, but in the knowledge that I have helped the club progress to where it is today.
“I have had nearly four-and-a half years with the club being part of my life and it won’t quite be the same without it. However losing your job is part and parcel of football management and comes with the territory.
“I would like to think that during my tenure I have managed to help provide, along with the players, more happy memories than sad. I have made many new friends in my time at the club and they are things that cannot be replaced.”
