FC Oswestry Town manager Dan Stevens was dismissed from his post at the weekend after just 16 games in charge.

The shock announcement followed Town’s home defeat to Daisy Hill who condemned Town to their sixth defeat of the season.

Stevens, who has previously managed both Ellesmere Rangers and Llanrhaeadr FC, was sacked immediately after the defeat.

A statement issued via the club’s website said: "It is with great regret that the club announce that Dan Stevens has been relieved of his duties as first team manager.

“The club would like to thank Dan for his efforts this season in helping Town establish themselves within the North West Counties League.

“Further announcements will be made over the coming week.”

Despite their indifferent home form this campaign, Oswestry remain comfortably mid-table in their maiden season in the Hallmark Security League’s first division.

The decision to dismiss Stevens appears to have been taken on the basis of personality clashes between the manager and the club’s hierarchy, though neither party has confirmed this.

Reflecting on the decision, Stevens refused to criticise the board, but insisted the club had improved during his tenure. He said: “It’s one of those things. Everyone’s got an opinion in football and I have to respect what the club wants to do going forward.

“But I can walk away with my reputation intact and proud of what we’ve achieved at the club so far.

“Results-wise we’ve had a few disappointments at home. The Alport game at home where we lost 3-0 was tough because we were outplayed, but they’re a team who are really flying now.

“On Saturday against Daisy Hill we created plenty of chances but we couldn’t put the ball in the net – it was just one of those days.

“I can only talk positively of my time as manager of the club and I’ve had a lot of support from my squad of players since the club’s decision was announced.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing and a lot of the lads have told me they’re gutted by the news.

“From a footballing point of view we made a big step-up at the start of the season by joining this league. We’ve been coming up against some well-established sides with bigger budgets and travelling to unfamiliar away grounds.

“I believe that I’ve brought some professionalism to the club and I think there has been definite progress made here. I wish all of the lads well for the future.“

Mike Barton, who has worked alongside Stevens as a coach since August has been installed as the club’s interim manager.

A former Town player, Barton is a proud Oswestrian who knows the club well and hopes to steer them into the play-off places.

He said: “Obviously I’m disappointed and surprised that Dan has gone, but decisions like this are part and parcel of football, unfortunately.

“I grew up as an Oswestry Town fan and went on to play for them so I was more than happy to accept the role on an interim basis.

“I have been impressed with what Dan has achieved while at the club and I hope to build on that in the coming months.

“Reaching the play-offs this season would represent success for us this year. I want to work towards that goal with the squad and hope that I can secure manager’s job on a permanent basis.”

 

* Meanwhile, struggling Oswestry Eagles were dealt another blow at the weekend as first-team coach Gareth Barrett left the club.

Barrett, who was installed as coach in 2013, said that work commitments were the reason for his departure.

Former assistant coach Dan Samuels has now assumed the role in what has become a torrid spell for the Eagles.