Staines suspend boss Anthony Gale ahead of cup clash

Staines Town have suspended manager Anthony Gale ahead of their trip to Haringey Borough in the FA Cup on Saturday after he was convicted of assaulting a woman.
The Isthmian League Division One South Central’s Swans issued a statement on social media announcing his suspension pending an internal investigation after the former Walton casuals boss admitted assault on Christmas Eve 2018 in Weybridge in an incident not linked to football.
The son of ex-Fulham and Blackburn Rovers defender Tony Gale was appointed in June after stepping down at the Stags in May after four years at the helm. He pleaded guilty at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on August 28 and must complete a two-year community order and 100 hours of unpaid work.
The Swans currently sit 19th in the table, having failed to win any of their opening six games following Gale’s appointment in June. Gale, pictured, was suspended on Wednesday, a day after his side slipped into the relegation zone following a 3-1 defeat at Northwood the night before.
If Gale is not reinstated in time, assistant manager Justin Skinner and ex-Braintree midfielder and player-coach Mahrez Bettache could be at the helm for the Second Qualifying Round clash at Coles Park after being appointed when he took over but were not referred to in the brief statement.
The Swans said: “In light of recent events following a court hearing, Anthony Gale has been suspended by Staines Town Football Club pending an internal investigation. The club will not be commenting any further on the matter at this time.”
Staines, formed in 1892, endured what many believe was the worst season in their history last term when they were relegated to Step 4, having been a Step 2 club as recently as 2015 when they were relegated from National League South.
Read reports from all 80 ties in the FA Cup’s Second Qualifying Round exclusively in Sunday’s NLP!