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CLUB STATEMENT
Bobby Kasanga
CHANGES
Hackney Wick FC can confirm that we have parted company with our First Team Manager and his coaching staff with immediate effect.
We believe in giving people opportunities. When we appointed the management team, we were fully aware that they were stepping up from Step 7, having previously managed Sungate FC. Despite their previous side struggling towards the lower end of the table, we were prepared to take that risk because we believed their knowledge of players within non-league football could help us build a competitive squad.
Unfortunately, it became clear very early on that the step up was proving too significant and that the standards required at this level were not being met.
Recruitment has been one of our biggest concerns. More than 500 players applied to attend our open trials this summer, yet not one of those applicants was invited to trial. Instead, recruitment became heavily focused on players already known to the management team from Step 7 and within their immediate footballing network.
Pre-season preparation was also below the standard we expected. There was very little emphasis on fitness, there was continued uncertainty around who was actually part of the First Team squad, and players were regularly unclear about whether they were coming or going.
That lack of organisation became particularly evident on the opening day of the season when a player arrived to play who members of the squad had never previously seen at training.
While we have taken three points from our opening two league fixtures, results alone cannot disguise performances and preparation that we believe have fallen well below the standards expected of Hackney Wick FC.
We accept responsibility for making the appointment. As a club that prides itself on providing opportunities, sometimes those decisions will work and sometimes they will not. However, when it becomes clear that something is not working, we have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the football club.
We thank the management and coaching staff for their efforts during their time with us and wish them well for the future.
Our immediate attention is now on preparing the players for Tuesday's away fixture against Halstead Town. We are not currently looking to appoint a new permanent manager and will communicate any further developments when appropriate.
Hackney Wick FC
We believe in giving people opportunities. When we appointed the management team, we were fully aware that they were stepping up from Step 7, having previously managed Sungate FC. Despite their previous side struggling towards the lower end of the table, we were prepared to take that risk because we believed their knowledge of players within non-league football could help us build a competitive squad.
Unfortunately, it became clear very early on that the step up was proving too significant and that the standards required at this level were not being met.
Recruitment has been one of our biggest concerns. More than 500 players applied to attend our open trials this summer, yet not one of those applicants was invited to trial. Instead, recruitment became heavily focused on players already known to the management team from Step 7 and within their immediate footballing network.
Pre-season preparation was also below the standard we expected. There was very little emphasis on fitness, there was continued uncertainty around who was actually part of the First Team squad, and players were regularly unclear about whether they were coming or going.
That lack of organisation became particularly evident on the opening day of the season when a player arrived to play who members of the squad had never previously seen at training.
While we have taken three points from our opening two league fixtures, results alone cannot disguise performances and preparation that we believe have fallen well below the standards expected of Hackney Wick FC.
We accept responsibility for making the appointment. As a club that prides itself on providing opportunities, sometimes those decisions will work and sometimes they will not. However, when it becomes clear that something is not working, we have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the football club.
We thank the management and coaching staff for their efforts during their time with us and wish them well for the future.
Our immediate attention is now on preparing the players for Tuesday's away fixture against Halstead Town. We are not currently looking to appoint a new permanent manager and will communicate any further developments when appropriate.
Hackney Wick FC
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