Management team leave Tigers

Worksop Town have parted ways with manager Simon Clark and his assistant Dave Frecklington, following Tigers’ failure to reach to reach the play-offs this season.
Senior Cup Final at Hillsborough....Worksop Town v Frickley Athletic....Worksop Manager Simon ClarkSenior Cup Final at Hillsborough....Worksop Town v Frickley Athletic....Worksop Manager Simon Clark
Senior Cup Final at Hillsborough....Worksop Town v Frickley Athletic....Worksop Manager Simon Clark

Chairman Jason Clark released a statement this evening revealing that the duo had offered their resignations.

He praised them for some of the football on display at Sandy Lane during their tenure, highlighting Tigers’ attacking threat, but stated inconsistency had cost them dearly.

Clark also hinted that any new manager at the club will be working with a reduced budget.

It was no secret that the Chesterfield businessman had invested heavily in the playing side in his pursuit of promotion, while continuing to search for a permanent home for the club in Worksop.

But after working with three different managers since arriving in 2010, Clark appears to be moving towards a policy of consolidation in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Clark and Frecklington joined the club early last season, following the sacking of Martin McIntosh.

They guided Tigers to an impressive FA Trophy run, and won the Sheffield Senior Cup last season at Hillsborough.

But although at times this term Worksop showed the promise of being a play-off contending side, too many games were lost from winning positions, and they failed to put together a run of form in recent months.

The statement said: “Worksop Town have today parted company with Manager Simon Clark and Assistant Manager Dave Frecklington.”

“The pair were hired in the close season with the task of achieving the play-offs at their first attempt.”

“After lengthy discussions over the weekend, regarding both this season and more importantly next, Simon and Dave offered their resignations.”

“Chairman Jason Clark stated: “I have reluctantly accepted their resignations, as we need to start planning for next season, when the club will look to a more sustainable approach, blending the strengths of the youth set up with experience.”

“Whilst we have not achieved our primary objective, I do not see this season as a failure at all. In fact, the brand of football that we have witnessed this season has been the best I have seen at this level.”

“The 4-0 victory away at Hednesford, 5-0 at Nantwich, the 8-1 result at home to Blyth, the two games against Chester, and the home game against Matlock where we were 5-0 up after 20 minutes, led some fans to say it was the best football they had seen Worksop play for 30 years.”

“The goals scored column speaks for itself, unfortunately we have lacked consistency at critical times.”

“We wish Simon and Dave all the best for the future, and they leave amicably and with some fantastic memories.”

For full reaction to the news, see this week’s Worksop Guardian.