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Isthmian League Phoenix Sports manager Paul Bryon leaves by mutual consent

Phoenix Sports manager Paul Bryon has left the club after 11 straight defeats.

Sports lost 4-0 at Ramsgate in Isthmian South East on Saturday, a result that left them bottom of the table with just four points from 11 games.

Paul Bryon has left his post as Phoenix Sports manager. Picture: Phoenix Sports FC
Paul Bryon has left his post as Phoenix Sports manager. Picture: Phoenix Sports FC

He is replaced by Steve O’Boyle who re-joins the club.

Phoenix Sports chairman Andrew Mortlock said: "After the difficult decision, parting ways with Paul Bryon, we have acted quickly to bring in his replacement.

"We knew that time was not on our side and we needed to sort this situation out quickly.

"Therefore, we are pleased to announce Steve O’Boyle as our new first-team manager.

"Steve returns to Phoenix after leaving us four seasons ago.

"Boylee’s record when he was the manager was fantastic. Two promotions in three seasons is a record that speaks for itself.

"Boylee has remained a friend of Phoenix since he left us.

"When we parted before, there was no massive fall-out.

"It was mainly due to the fact we could not keep up with his ambitions at that time. But that is in the past and Boylee would be the first to admit that he regrets his decision to leave.

"When we realised that Phoenix needed to make a change, we could have advertised the vacancy and, probably, had many applications. But in my mind, there was only one man who truly understands our unique club and can get us out of trouble - and that is Boylee.

"I think he has some unfinished business at Phoenix and I know that he is very keen to get back to doing what he does best.

"I'm upset about Paul leaving, but also now excited about the future for Phoenix with Steve O’Boyle as the manager."

O'Boyle returns after leaving his role as Faversham assistant manager.

On Bryon's departure, Mortlock said: "It is with regret that Phoenix Sports Club have today mutually agreed to part company with our first-team manager Paul Bryon.

"Unfortunately a poor run of 11 straight losses for the Phoenix has contributed to us both making this difficult decision.

"I have been the chairman for 19 years and changing the manager is not a thing we have done often.

"Paul was not only the manager but is also a close friend of mine and many others at the club.

"I would like to personally thank Paul for all of his hard work as first-team manager for the past four years plus as assistant manager and coach for three further seasons and, prior to that, a junior team manager for five seasons.

"Paul has not only dedicated his time voluntarily, he has also funded many other projects at the club.

"I know Paul is gutted by our recent form and he was working very hard to try to turn the tide. He has been very unlucky with injuries, coinciding with a lack of form of some of the players in a highly improved and competitive league.

"The board at Phoenix had been monitoring the situation closely and after discussions with Paul we have agreed that we need to make changes now to try and avoid relegation.

"I know Paul will continue to remain a good friend and supporter of the club and I repeat my thanks to Paul for all of his hard work."

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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