Suffolk’s leading non-league club, Leiston, have tonight parted company with their manager, Glenn Driver.
Driver’s departure is a major shock, because Leiston had been enjoying another good start to their league campaign, albeit for Tuesday night’s heavy 5-1 home defeat to King’s Lynn.
Only last weekend, the Victory Road club had notched a fine 4-0 win over Halesowen, which had seen them climb to fourth in the table.
Driver himself tweeted this evening: ‘I want to thank everyone @leistonfc for giving me the chance to manage your football club.
“Tonight we part company and I wish you all the very best for the future.
‘I leave with my head held high and am proud of our achievements in the four years together!’
Club Chairman Andy Crisp released the following statement on the club’s website:
‘It’s with regret that after a meeting at the club this morning with Glenn Driver, Trevor Elmy, Peter Mayhew and myself to discuss some concerns with the first team, Glenn and the Club have decided to part company.
“This in respects is a shock as all parties tried to reach a compromise but unfortunately we couldn’t.
‘Glenn as we all know achieved so much at Leiston Football Club (helping Leiston finish seventh and fifth in the last two seasons, as well as winning the Suffolk Premier Cup last season) and has been inspirational in the development of our youth set up.
“Glenn feels that he has much more to offer as a manager but feels as far as the first team at Leiston is concerned he perhaps has taken it as far as he can.
‘I discussed with Glenn a possible opportunity within the youth set up but he feels a complete break from the club is the best option, as he feels he can still manage at this level if not higher.
“Glenn has had no fall out with any senior member of the club and has been professional and honest with his decision.
‘It goes without saying this will be a big void to fill, I’m sure you will wish him all the best for the future, the door never closes.
‘On behalf of everyone at Leiston Football Club, everyone would like to wishn Glen all the best for the future and thank him for his time committed to the club in the three years he has been back at Leiston.’
For Saturday’s Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Central encounter at Stratford Town, head coach Tony Kinsella will take charge.
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