Pic: Gavin Ellis
HAKAN HAYRETTIN has left his role as manager of Braintree Town by mutual consent after the Iron suffered relegation to the National League South.
The former Thurrock and Grays Athletic boss replaced Jamie Day as Braintree manager at the end of September following a slow start to the season.
Despite leading the club into the FA Cup second round for the first time ever and matching their best FA Trophy run, the Iron’s National League form wasn’t quite good enough.
A run of just two wins in their last 12 fixtures, culminating in the final day defeat at Aldershot Town, saw the Iron drop back down to Step 2 following six years in Non-League‘s top tier.
Chairman Lee Harding says relegation could cost the club £150,000, and on Monday the Essex outfit confirmed they had parted company with Hayrettin as they look to prepare for next season.
Hayrettin said: “We’re all disappointed how it finished up, but I’d like to thank everyone that helped me and I wish you (the club) all the very best for the future.
“When I turned up the team had only nine points on the board, I have tried to use my contacts to bring players in but it has been difficult. It’s been a constant struggle because of the situation I inherited.”
Chairman Harding added: “If we had appointed Hakan back in the summer and given him that blank sheet of paper I am sure we would not have struggled as we have. He’s given us everything and came so close the securing our status.
“Who’s fault is it? Ultimately the buck stops with the board and work is already underway to turn our fortunes around. As a club we will learn from the past 12 months, but we must do better.”
