DEAN Holdsworth has stepped down from his role as Stratford Town’s joint manager due to personal circumstances.
Holdsworth only joined the club as manager, alongside Gavin Hurren, in May earlier this year and has been forced to step away due to increasing business commitments.
The former Premier League striker will remain in his role as club ambassador whilst Hurren will now solely take charge of first team affairs.
Bards Chairman Jed McCrory said: “We thank Dean for all his hard work and wish him well with his personal ventures.
“Dean has been disappointed that he’s not been able to dedicate enough time and he didn’t want to let the club down.
“Fans would’ve seen Dean was missing for half the league games so far this season due to work commitments.
“His more immediate business commitments meant that he would miss a significant number of training sessions and games, so to be fair to everyone at the club he has stepped down from his managerial role.
“Going forward, Gavin Hurren will continue as manager with Jon Hill as assistant manager and Ian Weaving and Kieron Williams as coaches.”
Holdsworth added: “Really delighted to have worked with this great group of players and staff, disappointed to have to resign from my position due to personal circumstances.
“I wish them all well in their careers, it’s been a pleasure and maybe another time.”
The news was announced just a day after the Bards were knocked out in Second Round Qualifying of the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to National League North side Banbury United.
Stratford were beaten by Giorgio Rasulo’s 25-yard screamer on 43 minutes with the Bards unable to find a response at the Arden Garages Stadium.
Stratford are next in action against Nuneaton Borough on Saturday, September 24 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
