EVESHAM United have begun the search for a new manager after sacking Paul Collicutt following five years at the helm.
The Robins’ nine-man committee made the collective decision to dismiss Collicutt after a frustrating campaign in which United hoped to achieve promotion but could only finish seventh – eight points outside the play-off places and 19 behind champions Blackfield & Langley.
Chairman Jim Cockerton, who personally felt Collicutt was unlucky not to remain in charge until at least the opening part of next season, informed the 60-year-old of the decision on Tuesday and the boss left the club with immediate effect alongside his backroom team of Gerry Oldham, Mark Lockwood, Stuart Martyn and Ally Major.
This season’s seventh-placed finish was the lowest at Southern League Division One South level under Collicutt, who experienced the heartache of three play-off semi-final defeats.
A club statement said: “The committee of EUFC would like to thank Paul for everything he has done for the club both on and off the pitch over the past five seasons.
“We would like to thank Colly and all of the backroom them for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future.
“The club will now begin the process of finding a new manager with the intention this will be concluded as soon as possible.
“At this point there are no front-runners and the club has received no applications. Applications from suitably qualified and experienced people are now welcomed.”
Managerial applications are invited by email to [email protected].
The Robins finished the season with a 3-1 defeat at Bideford on Saturday. The visitors fell 2-0 down to goals from Billy Tucker and James Mayne before Steve Davies’ lob gave United hope, only for Mayne’s second goal to put the outcome beyond doubt.