THE ‘Magic’ has gone from Romford FC – but they’ve wasted no time in conjuring up his replacement.
Club legend Paul ‘Magic’ Martin said he “sacked himself” after a woeful run of 21 games without a win. Indeed, the last four defeats in Isthmian North have seen Boro ship 22 goals, culminating in a humbling 8-0 home loss to Bury Town on Saturday.
Martin spent 15 successful years in charge of the Mayesbrook Park club before he was ruthlessly ousted when former Billericay Town owner Glenn Tamplin took over the Essex club in December 2019.
Tamplin quit football during last season’s Covid curtailment, leaving joint-bosses Derek Duncan and Mark Holloway to start the season in charge.
They left in December following a nine-match winless streak, prompting Martin to make a popular return to the club as interim boss just before Christmas.
Martin, who had a spell as East Thurrock boss in between, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have resigned my position as Romford FC manager, in effect I have decided to sack myself. I was asked by Steve and Colin to come back and help the club out, but unfortunately both results and performances have not gone my way.
“I have to be honest with myself, and since returning it has not happened for me. More Ted Lasso than Magic Martin.”
The club swiftly moved to appoint former Basildon United boss Jon Fowell in his place until the end of the season.
Fowell, the former Clapton and Ilford manager, left Basildon United in January after just two months in charge. He also worked as a coach at Wimbledon, Chelsea, Leyton Orient and Enfield Town.
