Pic: Andy Nunn
MATT LONGHURST has returned as manager of East Grinstead Town just two weeks after leaving – admitting he made a mistake in becoming a number two.
Longhurst left the Wasps at the beginning of March to take up the vacant assistant manager role at Ryman South rivals Hastings United.
However, he has decided to quit after less than two weeks with the play-off chasing U’s and has agreed to return to East Grinstead.
The Wasps have eight games remaining in the Ryman South and Longhurst will be able to assess his squad before preparations begin for next season.
On his decision to leave Hastings, Longhurst said: “I made a quick decision that being a No.2 wasn’t for me and that’s no disrespect to Darren Hare (manager) and Hastings United. It’s purely my own feelings on what I have to offer and how I like things done.
“Hastings is a fantastic club with great supporters, board, players and management team and I thank them for the opportunity. However, at this stage in my career, after lots of thought. I decided I need to be a manager and cannot wait to get back to work.”
He added: “I have returned to East Grinstead Town thankful for the opportunity the club have given me to continue my work over the last 17 months.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the committee at East Grinstead for the chance to come back so we can build on the foundations already in place and work hard to improve and build for next season.
“I would also like to say to the supporters, players, staff and committee at East Grinstead that I made a big mistake leaving and will work harder than ever to produce the team and club you deserve.”
Longhurst had been in charge of the Wasps since October 2015 and chairman Richard Tramontin was pleased to have him back at the helm.
“We met with Matt on Monday and after a long discussion it was the unanimous decision of the club’s committee to offer him his old job back,” Tramontin said.
“We didn’t want him to leave in the first place and we’re pleased that he is back to continue to lead the progress we have made on the pitch since he was appointed.
“Matt has put in place a strong football ethos with the accent on developing young players and we are looking forward to that continuing long into the future.”
