Didcot Town’s joint-manager Ian Concannon has expressed his sadness at walking away from the club, after he and Jamie Heapy announced last night they have stepped down from their roles.
Concannon ended his 13-year association with the club citing ‘personal reasons’ following Didcot’s 3-0 win over Bridgwater Town.
The former Diddy player starred for the club over eight seasons, before taking on the assistant coach role and then leading the club with player-manager Heapy for two years.
Heapy, known as ‘Mr Didcot’, has had a career with the club spanning 20 years and 10 trophies. But it’s still not clear if this season will be his last.
Concannon told the Guardian: “I’m disappointed. I never thought I would have to make this decision to walk away. This football club is in my blood.
“I’ll be clear, this is nothing to do with the football club. I have left for personal reasons.
“It was hard to combine other things in my life with football.”
The duo told chairman John Bailey of their decision after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bashley.
Their achievements as managers include the historic FA Cup first round encounter with Exeter City last month and their high-league finish in the Southern League Division One South & West last season.
Concannon highlighted these as his achievements, stating: “I believe we have done very well. Jamie and I were taken on as rookies and I’m very proud of all we’ve achieved.
A statement from the club said: “We would like to extend an enormous thank you to both Ian Concannon and Jamie Heapy for their tremendous commitment to the club.
“They have taken us to new heights in their two years in senior management and I’m sure that this decision was not taken lightly. We wish them the best in their new ventures.”
Player Andy Ballard is set to take over in a caretaker role, assisted by Andy Sinnott.
Concannon said of Ballard: “He will do a wonderful job. He has our respect and that of the players and he will do very well.”
