Edwards leaves City

Chelmsford City FC have confirmed that manager Craig Edwards has been released from his contract with the club after a 17-month spell in charge.

The board of directors have the option of a 'break clause' in Edwards' deal as part of a re-structuring drive to push forward following the club's successful return to the county town earlier in the year.

Edwards, who arrived from Redbridge in January 2005, has been a major force in the turnaround of a playing squad which was struggling near the foot of the table after previous boss Steve Mosely's departure.

This season's final position of 10th in the Ryman League Premier Division is testament to the target of consolidation of the side until City were in a position to advance in the non-league pyramid.

Some of the highlights of his tenure were the opening match at Melbourne Stadium, where his squad defeated former landlords Billericay Town in front of a capacity crowd, and the recent single-goal victory at much-fancied AFC Wimbledon.

But Edwards will now depart along with his colleagues in the dugout Lyndon Lynch, John Frostick and Paul Downes.

Speaking of the decision, club chairman Paul Hopkins wished to pay tribute to the work done by Edwards and his team during the recent past.

“Craig has worked particularly hard and his effort levels are second to none.

“He's been part of an excellent management team which has brought us many happy memories and we are grateful for what they have achieved in difficult circumstances.

“The players he has brought in have all put in 100% for Chelmsford City,” Hopkins said.

“The decision to release Craig was purely in keeping with the vision we have for the club and is in no way to do with the Braintree abandonment debacle.

“We said at the time we would put that behind us and we have.

“Craig is a popular figure with the supporters and we wish him, Lyndon, Paul and John all the best for the future."