Joe Jacks It In @ Champs

[Duffer]

Following amicable talks with club officials, Joe Jackson announced his decision to step down as manager of Midland Alliance champions Stourbridge at the club's presentation night on Friday.

 

Jackson (pictured) had been in charge at Amblecote for just over seventeen months, leading the Glassboys to two league titles, but on both occasions, promotion was denied them due to their ground situation.

 

Jackson has decided to move on, as unlike in previous seasons since the club's relegation from the Dr Martens League, the Glassboys are presently without a benefactor in place for next season following the departure of Mark Serrell, and the club has had no alternative but to set the available playing budget accordingly.

 

Club spokesman Hugh Clark said: "As wonderful as it was to see us regain our league title, unfortunately longer term, we cannot continue to run with the same playing budget in place whilst there is no benefactor.

 

"We have superbly dedicated and loyal fans, whose support we greatly appreciate, but in general the people of Stourbridge have not turned out in significantly greater numbers to support our winning team.

 

"We are very sorry to see Joe go, but he has decided to seek a new challenge. Two league titles is a wonderful achievement and he has the full respect of us all. We'll miss his presence around Amblecote and he will leave with our best wishes for the future.

 

"We are confident that the manager's post at Stourbridge remains an attractive proposition and we are now inviting written applications for the post. Despite the cuts we have had to make, we believe that the playing budget for next season remains a good one for our level and that the Glassboys will continue to be a leading force in the Midland Alliance."

 

Nigel Gregg - www.stourbridgefc.com