MICHAEL HERBERT has stepped down as Woodley United manager with immediate effect, citing a conflict over ambition as his reason.
The former Mortimer boss joined the Kestrels last summer and enjoyed an historic first
season in charge, but he has now decided to leave the club, along with Spencer Meredith from his coaching staff.
The Wokingham Paper understands the decision for Herbert and Woodley to part company was made earlier this month, but he continued in his role until a suitable replacement could be found.
That replacement is current assistant coach James Anderson, who will step up to become the new manager, with the players informed following Monday night’s 1-0 defeat to Flackwell Heath.
“I have had a really enjoyable time at Woodley Utd and would like to say thank you to the club and especially the players and the management team for what has been a special past 18 months,” said Herbert.
“Unfortunately mine and the club’s ambitions were not aligned and now seemed a good a time as any to let the club prosper with someone else in charge.”
In his only full season in charge, Herbert guided Woodley to promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division for the first time in the club’s history and also clinched silverware with victory over Marlow United in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup final.
But life has been tougher this campaign, with Woodley recording just one victory in 11 matches in all competitions so far.
Herbert leaves with the Kestrels in 17th place in the Premier Division, outside of the relegation zone, on six points.
And Woodley chairman Colom Moon has wished him well.
“It has been a fantastic privilege for us to have had Michael at the club and what he achieved last season was both unprecedented and unexpected,” he said.
“Not only did he take the club up in terms of our league standing but he also delivered higher standards in everything he did at the club.
“Whilst we are disappointed not to be able to continue this journey with Michael at the helm, we wish him nothing but the best for what I am sure will be a very bright future in the game.”
He added: “We are delighted to have secured James as the First Team Manager going forward. James is a popular figure at the club and I am sure will continue to build on the good foundations that Michael has laid.”
