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| Anthony Anstead |
ANTHONY Anstead has resigned as manager of Harlow Town.
The rookie boss quit the Barrows Farm club following the Hawks' 3-0 defeat at Concord Rangers on Saturday.
The Hawks remain rooted to the bottom of the Ryman League Division One North table and have not won a league game since the end of September.
Anstead said: "Last night I resigned as Harlow Town FC manager. I wish to thank all the staff, players and fans that have backed me during what has been a challenging first season in management.
"I assembled a side that in principle were more than capable of doing well in the league, but our inability to score our chances, combined with the ease in which we concede has cost us. The mentality of the club is at an all time low, and it's time for a change.
"I feel it is the right time to go, and there is still hope for the club in staying up. The task ahead is huge especially under the conditions the club is in.
"I have always tried my hardest for Harlow and I may have made mistakes along the way, but I have always had the club's interests at heart. No one will ever know the amount of hard work that was put in by the players, and also Mervin, Glyn and I.
"Many players stepped down a league or two to play for me, and I thank them for that. I said in my first Herald column that I was to be judged on cold hard results, and for this reason our form means I must recognise the need for change.
"The club requires a fresh start and needs to remove several figures and start again. I only hope the new management team starts a fresh with new faces, new coaches and a renewed energy to keep Harlow up. A club like Harlow needs to be playing Ryman football, and needs people with Harlow's interest at heart and not their own!
"I know the team behind the scenes are working tirelessly in the face of enormous adversity, and often come under fire. But now is a time for support and encouragement, not criticism. The club requires funding, simple as that!
"It's great that they have secured the club's future with the CVA, but to move forwards and upwards means the club needs a cash injection. I only hope local businesses and sponsors come in and help the club regain stability and move forwards.
"Whoever takes on the role at Harlow, I wish them success and luck. Build a team around you that can be trusted, and act on behalf of the club.
"As for me, I will return to playing football. I played all last season in a higher league and constantly receive offers to return to the game. I am a 30-year-old goalkeeper and simply love the game. I won't rule out helping Harlow on the pitch if it came to it, but for now some time off to return to fitness and recharge the batteries."
A replacement manager has yet to be confirmed.
Harlow host Northwood on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kick off at Barrows Farm.
more to follow
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