Speculation over the future of Billericay Town manager Harry Wheeler continues to grow following exclusive reports of his absence from the dugout in Sunday’s NLP.
Wheeler’s reign at the National League South‘s Blues is shrouded in mystery following his absence on Saturday as the Essex club were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw at Oxford City.
According the Basildon Standard‘s website on Sunday, Billericay have yet to officially confirm whether Wheeler, pictured, has left the club, while owner Glenn Tamplin was unavailable for comment when contacted by Echosport.
Tamplin and Jamie O’Hara were in the charge for the draw with Sunday’s NLP exclusively reporting that the former Maidstone United boss is understood to have had a number of issues surrounding team selection and was temporarily relieved of his management duties.
The NLP understands that Tamplin, who sacked Wheeler in August 2018 but reappointed him in January, has stepped in to asses the situation for the next two weeks although he was not at yesterday’s clash in Oxfordshire.
He is said to believe certain players, including son Archie, 26, deserve more minutes in the team. Big name players Jordan Parkes, Dough Loft and marquee summer signing Matt Rhead were all dropped to the bench at Oxford.
Sitting fourth before yesterday’s action, the Blues have enjoyed a solid start to their second season under Wheeler, who guided them to the Isthmian League title, Essex senior Cup and league cup in 2018. Tamplin took over the club in 2017 and has invested heavily in to New Lodge and the playing staff.
Billericay threw away a two-goal lead against Oxford. Although Jake Robinson put Town in the driving seat with a quickfire brace, City goals from Zac McEachran and Jack Self ensured they would have to settle for a share of the spoils.
