Bailey steps down as Lancing boss

Bailey, who led Lancers for just over a year after taking charge following Richard Whittington’s departure, guided the Culver Road side to a fourth-placed finish in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, while also taking the club to their first silverware in 26 years with a Peter Bentley Cup triumph. Lancing had picked up just three wins from nine league matches this season, after skipper Naim Rouane and Josh Spinks left in the summer and then last season’s top-scorer Lewis Finney moved on in September. Speaking on his decision to step down, 31-year-old Bailey cited increased work commitment as a major factor and said: “I can’t thank Lancing enough for the opportunity that I was given last season. I’ve said it before, but I don’t believe what we managed to achieve last season, with no playing budget, will be bettered. “We lost several key players over the summer and, as the season has gone on, it’s been tough but the young squad I had were talented. “One of the biggest factors in my decision to step down was an increased work load. I’ve got a family and I’m having to turn up early at matches, set everything up for the players, then make sure I’m around at the end also. “Player commitment, not just with our team, but as a whole at this level is an issue as well. Not all of my team, but some, didn’t have that commitment and it was just getting a bit too much for me with my work and a family.” Despite stepping down as manager, Bailey is hoping to remain with the club in a different capacity, while he will also be in attendance for their league match at Newhaven on Saturday. Bailey revealed talks are on-going with an ‘exciting prospect’ potentially in store. He added: “I’m still going to stick around at the club but just not in the role that I had. “Myself and the club have been in discussions about something which has exciting potential, all I would say is watch this space.” Lancing club official Paul Blann was quick to praise Bailey for his efforts during his tenure and said: “We’d like to thank Ash for everything he has done for us. “He took us to fourth in the league last season and our first cup success for many years. “We wish Ash all the best but also hope he stays with the club in an off-the-field capacity.” Martin Gander will take temporary charge for the next two weeks as Lancing search for a new boss. Anyone interested in applying for the managerial position at Lancing can email club secretary John Rea on rea.john@mail.com Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.