REDDITCH United have parted company with manager Matt Clarke by mutual consent just days after he secured the club’s status at Step Three.
Clarke kept Redditch in the Southern League Premier Central following a 4-0 victory against already-relegated Hitchin Town on the final day of the season.
However, following lengthy talks, Redditch and Clarke have agreed to part ways bringing an end to his second spell in charge of the club.
Redditch chairman, David Faulkner said: “Matt’s time with us has been hugely successful. While recent form has been difficult, this only reflects the incredibly high standards he helped set.
“Matt transformed the club’s reputation, raised expectations among our supporters, and elevated how we are viewed within the local non-league community.
“The instability that followed Matt’s temporary departure last year, and the managerial change earlier this season that led to his return, undoubtedly contributed to our recent results.
“But that should not overshadow the foundations he laid — including last season’s play-off push that saw us top the league table part way through the season.
“Although it’s never easy to say goodbye, we part on the best of terms and with deep mutual respect.
“We wish Matt every success in the future.”
Clarke made a sensational return to the Valley Stadium in November after former boss Tim Flowers resigned and made the switch to local rivals Alvechurch.
And Clarke enjoyed a fairytale return to the dugout as Redditch claimed a dramatic injury-time win against Stamford in his first game back in charge.
However, the Reds dropped from third in the table, following the victory against Stamford, to just above the relegation zone in a difficult campaign.
The club finished just one place and three points above the drop zone and only secured their place in the division on the final day of the season.
The Reds needed to match Barwell’s result on the final day to avoid relegation.
And a Cyrus Babaie brace along with goals from Ryan Boothe and Dexter Dudley-Toole ensured United retained their Step Three status.
Elsewhere, Barwell suffered a heavy 7-1 home defeat against Spalding United which confirmed the Leicestershire-based club’s relegation.
Redditch have also confirmed the departure of assistant manager Keron Jackson.
The club will provide an update regarding the remainder of the backroom staff in due course.
And Redditch have confirmed the search for a new first team manager will begin immediately with interested applicants invited to contact: [email protected]
The club’s supporters are also invited to attend a question and answer session with the board at the Valley Stadium on Thursday, May 8 with a 7pm start.
