Whittington resigns as Lancing manager

Richard Whittington has resigned as Lancing Football Club manager with the club flying high in the Southern Combination League.
Richard WhittingtonRichard Whittington
Richard Whittington

Lancers sit second in the Premier Division, with eight wins and two defeats from their ten matches this season, but Whittington has stepped down, saying he was not enjoying it.

Lancing lost 3-0 at home to leaders Newhaven on Saturday and Whittington resigned after the game. He said: “We got off to a great start but I just wasn’t enjoying it and you should be enjoying it with the start we’ve made.

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“I just think it’s time to move on. I was planning on going at the end of the season anyway, so have just called it a day a little bit early.

“I’ve got a lot on and this is quite time consuming but I’ve left the team in a much healthier position than what I found it two and a bit seasons ago.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, especially with not paying any players is quite an achievement. I’m sure all the players will stay and whoever takes over will have a strong squad.

“I’m just going to take a break now. I’ve got a season ticket at The Amex, so I’ll be able to make use of that a bit more, I’ll spend more time with my wife and family and, hopefully, play a bit of golf if the weather stays nice.”

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Whittington admitted that the Culver Road club means a lot to him, having played in goal for Lancing for several seasons, and said: “Lancing Football does mean a lot to me. It was my goal when I stopped playing to one day manage the club and I’ve achieved that.”

Whittington added that Saturday’s defeat to Newhaven had nothing to do with his decision and said: “It’s disappointing to go out on a loss but it had nothing to do with my decision, it was just bad timing.

“My decision was close anyway. If it hadn’t been on Saturday, it would have been in a week or two as I was close to making the decision.”

Ash Bailey is set to take charge of Lancing’s FA Vase game at Oakwood on Saturday.

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Lancers are inviting applications for the vacant managerial position. Contact details can be found on www.lancingfc.org.uk

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