'I was going nowhere with Woodbridge'

Elvin King

GLENN Read today said that he felt he was going nowhere with Woodbridge Town, and this was the reason he parted company with the Ridgeons League Premier Division club last month.

He has been left wondering what direction the club will go in the future.

“I am disappointed with the comments made by the club,” said Read.

“Yes, work had a part to play in my leaving Notcutt's Park, but it was only a small consideration.

“The main reason was that I felt I was bashing my head against a brick wall. I was not getting the backing of the board.

“In fact, certain members were criticising team selection and the way the lads were playing.

“Without any major financial input I had to put out a young side each week and the only way they should play was to get the ball down and play.

“With no chance of bringing in experience this was the only way. We were up against sides with �1,000 a week player budgets.

“If the board doesn't like the way the squad was playing I have been left wondering what direction they now plan to go. And how they will finance it?”

Read replaced Mick Stockwell in November 2007 and comfortably retained Premier Division status last season. But the team have slipped down into relegation trouble this term.

Read thought that the departure of respected coach Sean Thacker before Christmas would bring a change in attitude from the board.

“There had been a number of on-going issues, and I thought when Sean left they would be ironed out,” added Read.

“But it didn't happen. Sean is a great coach and we worked closely together, and it is a major loss to Woodbridge that the SETEC scheme he runs is now going to Coplestonians.

“All my work - and the coaches' work - at Woodbridge was voluntary and I felt I deserved more backing.

“But I am still watching Woodbridge as my son Luke is in the side and hope they will move up the table.

“If another job came up in football I would be interested as I don't want to walk away from the game.”

Woodbridge have advertised for a successor to Read and an appointment is expected soon.