Steve's Message

[Enfield United]

I heard that the club parted company with Steve and Jason today.

 

Steve has released a message and it goes like this:

 

Following his departure from the club Steve wanted to send a personal message to all the clubs supporters:

Word will I’m sure have got out by now that this morning I received a phone call from the chairman Paul Millington to advise me that the board had decided it was time for a change of management.

Was I surprised, if I am honest, probably not, given our recent run of results and in particular the nature of the last two performances against Grays and Wingate & Finchley.

I was convinced that as before when we have had a bad run of form that I would turn things around, however the board have made their decision and we will never know.

I was appointed back in May 2009, knowing that my joint manager at the time Del would stay involved as long as possible. Del managed to see the season out and that was the start of building the platform to where Enfield Town FC is now. The club had finished the previous two seasons languishing as a mid- table step 4 side in the Ryman Division 1 North, with players coming and going on a whim, the club had lost its spirit and connection with the fans from what I could see. My first task was to get that spirit back and we could build from this base.

I think that my record over the first four seasons speaks for itself, all expectations were exceeded when we reached the play off final after finishing 4th in the first season. The second season we finished 6th, missing out on the play offs by one point but took the club the furthest in both the FA Trophy and FA Cup in its short history. Of course then there was the memorable season when we moved into the QE , achieved a 2nd place finish in the league , missing out on the title by a point , but promotion was achieved through the play offs to the Ryman Premier. We then met the aim of all connected with the club by maintaining our Ryman Premier status on limited resources with a 16th place finish on our debut season.

This season things haven’t progressed as anticipated and after a reasonable opening month to the campaign, a points haul of 10 from 7 games which is lower to mid table form, we have seen both points and performances drop away since.

Some have told me prior to and since the news broke that some of the players have let me down , well I will let others pass comment on that, I know ultimately they are the players I select so if they have or they haven’t, it is irrelevant, the buck stops with me.

I will leave Enfield Town FC not as I would have liked, but in the knowledge that I have helped the club progress to where it is today. I have had nearly 4 and a half years with the club being part of my life and it won’t quite be the same without it. However losing your job is part and parcel of football management and comes with the territory. I would like to think that during my tenure I have managed to help provide, along with the players, more happy memories than sad. I have made many new friends in my time at the club and they are things that cannot be replaced. Getting to know the likes of Roger and Paul Reed, Paul Millington, and Keith Wortley and to see how much time they put in has been a pleasure. The board have done their best to provide me with as much in the way of finance as is possible to help improve the quality in the squad and each season there has been a little bit more. Ryman Premier football however is a different animal to playing at Step 4 and like at all levels of football, in general with the odd exception money talks.

I would like to personally use this chance to thank the players for their support, on the whole they have been top drawer, a few, Kirbs, Hopey, Jordan, Bardle, Gio and Gunz have been with me for each of the seasons I have been here. My management team also deserve a mention, Jason one of my best mates and a top A licence coach, plus both Pete and Bryan Hammatt have all been instrumental to the success we have enjoyed.

The supporters have been great and even in the last couple of months during our bad run of form (apart from the few who have finally got their wish), have been no different to during the good times.
I leave in my opinion with my head held high and being the manager who led the club to the Ryman Premier Division. No one can take that away from me and I am proud to be a part of the history of the club.
I would like to wish all connected with Enfield Town FC all the best for the future.

Steve Newing

 

[BUFC]

 

I heard that the club parted company with Steve and Jason today.

 

Steve has released a message and it goes like this:

 

Following his departure from the club Steve wanted to send a personal message to all the clubs supporters:

Word will I’m sure have got out by now that this morning I received a phone call from the chairman Paul Millington to advise me that the board had decided it was time for a change of management.

 

Was I surprised, if I am honest, probably not, given our recent run of results and in particular the nature of the last two performances against Grays and Wingate & Finchley.

 

I was convinced that as before when we have had a bad run of form that I would turn things around, however the board have made their decision and we will never know.

 

I was appointed back in May 2009, knowing that my joint manager at the time Del would stay involved as long as possible. Del managed to see the season out and that was the start of building the platform to where Enfield Town FC is now. The club had finished the previous two seasons languishing as a mid- table step 4 side in the Ryman Division 1 North, with players coming and going on a whim, the club had lost its spirit and connection with the fans from what I could see. My first task was to get that spirit back and we could build from this base.

 

I think that my record over the first four seasons speaks for itself, all expectations were exceeded when we reached the play off final after finishing 4th in the first season. The second season we finished 6th, missing out on the play offs by one point but took the club the furthest in both the FA Trophy and FA Cup in its short history. Of course then there was the memorable season when we moved into the QE , achieved a 2nd place finish in the league , missing out on the title by a point , but promotion was achieved through the play offs to the Ryman Premier. We then met the aim of all connected with the club by maintaining our Ryman Premier status on limited resources with a 16th place finish on our debut season.

 

This season things haven’t progressed as anticipated and after a reasonable opening month to the campaign, a points haul of 10 from 7 games which is lower to mid table form, we have seen both points and performances drop away since.

 

Some have told me prior to and since the news broke that some of the players have let me down , well I will let others pass comment on that, I know ultimately they are the players I select so if they have or they haven’t, it is irrelevant, the buck stops with me.

 

I will leave Enfield Town FC not as I would have liked, but in the knowledge that I have helped the club progress to where it is today. I have had nearly 4 and a half years with the club being part of my life and it won’t quite be the same without it. However losing your job is part and parcel of football management and comes with the territory. I would like to think that during my tenure I have managed to help provide, along with the players, more happy memories than sad. I have made many new friends in my time at the club and they are things that cannot be replaced. Getting to know the likes of Roger and Paul Reed, Paul Millington, and Keith Wortley and to see how much time they put in has been a pleasure. The board have done their best to provide me with as much in the way of finance as is possible to help improve the quality in the squad and each season there has been a little bit more. Ryman Premier football however is a different animal to playing at Step 4 and like at all levels of football, in general with the odd exception money talks.

 

I would like to personally use this chance to thank the players for their support, on the whole they have been top drawer, a few, Kirbs, Hopey, Jordan, Bardle, Gio and Gunz have been with me for each of the seasons I have been here. My management team also deserve a mention, Jason one of my best mates and a top A licence coach, plus both Pete and Bryan Hammatt have all been instrumental to the success we have enjoyed.

 

The supporters have been great and even in the last couple of months during our bad run of form (apart from the few who have finally got their wish), have been no different to during the good times.

I leave in my opinion with my head held high and being the manager who led the club to the Ryman Premier Division. No one can take that away from me and I am proud to be a part of the history of the club.

I would like to wish all connected with Enfield Town FC all the best for the future.

 

Steve Newing

 

I think Enfield will regret this more than Steve............good luck Steve - not that with your pedigree you will need it - for the future

[The Unknown]

Thank you Steve for getting us into the Ryman Prem. Its sad you had to go. Good luck in the future. 

[Plumstead Blue]

Sorry for ETFC to see him depart, as I had a drink with him at the Abrahams last weekend and he is/was always amiable. 

 

For you ETFC lads - you need to turn the corner quick or you will be in Div 1 North next season. 

[The Crowing Cockerel]

Very sorry to see Steve go. He can certainly hold his head up high though.

 

I'm actually very surprised at how quickly the board have acted. Having seen the performances of late I'm fairly certain that Steve would've found it very tough to keep us in the Prem next season. That being said, whoever comes in is on a hiding to nothing - we'll be relegation favourites.

 

The king is dead - long live the king! I wonder whether the board have something up their sleeves? Which players will/should stay?

 

I'm more optimistic than pessimistic at this minute.

[andyetfc]

The decision could not have been a knee jerk reaction to last night.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

The decision could not have been a knee jerk reaction to last night.

So, do we think that there is 'someone waiting in the wings' as one poster has suggested??

[Steph]

Steve done us proud but the performance on Tuesday demonstrated to me that he had taken the club as far as he was able. With a wealthier club he may produce more he certainly demonstrated over the last 4 1/2 years what he could achieve with, as he says, a limited budget. Best of luck I am sure that all associated with the club appreciate what you did for us.

[1F in Enfield]

Sorry for Steve but relieved for the club. It feels like the right decision and the right time. Steve has taken ETFC as far as he can and has done an excellent job. The Ryman Premier was probably a step too far. I look forward to the new appointment and the prospect of maintaining our step 4 status!

[Insider]

Crazy decision. Steve knew things weren't right but where the hell would Enfield be without him.

[1F in Enfield]

That last post should have read step 3 status!

[Steph]

Crazy decision. Steve knew things weren't right but where the hell would Enfield be without him.

 

Well, over the next few months we will find the answer to that question.

 

I believe that the game against W and F demonstrated that there had to be a dramatic change and, it seems, the board agreed.

[the viewer]

Insider, how can you say its a crazy decision.

It was the right decision but to my mind it should have been made earlier.

You are right that Steve helped to get us up but as other posters have said hes taken us as far as he can.

 

I think we do probably have someone in the wings to take over.

Hopefully we wil get further info re this very soon.

[Steph]

Steve accepts that his sacking was part of football. I would like him to consider the managerial career of George Ludford. George took Enfield to the Amateur Cup Final in 1964, until that time Enfield had never reached this pinnacle. He also took Enfield out of the Athenian League into the Isthmian after 2 maiden league victories.

 

Now after the cup final George's contract was terminated and Tom Lawrence took over to take Enfield and he made Enfield the side that everybody talks about today. The point I am trying to make is that Steve did not fail as George did not fail. However there needs at times to be change if clubs are to progress.

[andyetfc]

So far we have had 'crazy decision', good decision, etc. some comments even from supporters from other clubs!

 

These things happen in football and we all need to move forward. No doubt some will take great delight in saying they were correct if we lose the next game whilst others will say exactly the same if we win against Dulwich. Can't please everyone all the time.

 

The club now needs to move forward, at a pace, but I just hope that people do not keep bringing up the subject of lack of financial resources.......... If the club cannot afford better players, then work with what we have or bring in players from lower leagues who look promising otherwise we will go round and round in circles.

 

DH and KC?

[Steph]

DH will be another battle against relegation as has happened at previous clubs.

[townerboy]

everyone needs to remember it took us a while to get steve and del after jim left.  grass isn't always greener.

[andyetfc]

everyone needs to remember it took us a while to get steve and del after jim left.  grass isn't always greener.

Certainly isn't in the goal mouths despite the good work done by the ground staff on the pitch.

[Steve Newing]

I think it is somewhat insulting to Steve that some are insuating that he can't manage at Step 3 , that is utter nonsense. He did what he was asked to do after guiding us to a level we have never been at before and kept us up. Far more experienced managers than him ended up being relegated last time around. He and Jason have given a hell of a lot to our club and his comments and dignified exit to me say a lot about the man. Steve has gone yet some still can't resist having a pop and those that are still doing so probably have knowledge of football that you could write on the back of a postage stamp.

[lovely stuff]

Good luck for the future Comeon...Also that's to Steve for taking us into the Ryman Prem and being part of the clubs history.