Reading Chronicle | Sport | Thatcham duo quit

Saturday, 10th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 26th March, 2008 12:00

Thatcham duo quit

The pair made their decision in the aftermath of the 3-0 defeat at Abingdon United on Saturday, and for Goddard it brings the curtain down on a 24 year association with the club.

Director of football Jim Goslin and caretaker Gary Ackling have taken over the reins of the first team squad for the remainder of the Southern League Division One South & West campaign.

Goddard, 47, described his departure as “a sad day” but identified a breakdown in communication with the club’s board as one of the reasons behind his decision.

He said: “There were various reasons behind the decision, but I don’t want to end up in a slanging match with the committee. It was a wrench, but I wouldn’t ever hold anything against Thatcham Town football club.

“It has meant a lot to me, but I won’t be losing any sleep about it and hopefully I’ll be back in the game next season.”

Goddard first joined the club as a player in 1982 and has also served as reserve team boss and assistant manager since then.

And he highlighted the club’s rise into the Southern League in 2006 as his proudest moment in charge.

A statement on the club website explained: “The Club would like to thank them both for their efforts and wish them well for the future.

“The club are grateful to the pair for their contribution in ensuring Thatcham will once again be playing in the BGBFL Southern League next season.”

l After going down 3-0 at Abingdon Utd on Saturday, goals from Sam Rea and Adam Pilling put them 2-0 up in Monday’s clash at Paulton Rovers. However, the hosts hit back with two goals in the final 10 minutes to snatch a 3-2 win.

HUNGERFORD Town moved into second spot in the Hellenic Premier Division after enjoying a fine Easter weekend.

Ian Concannon continued his fine form by netting five times in his side’s two wins as Town moved to within three points of North Leigh with two games in hand.

On Saturday, braces from Concannon and Graham Edney along with a Jamie Gosling strike gave Alan Clark’s men a 5-2 win at Shortwood United.

They followed that up on Easter Monday with a 4-1 victory at Flackwell Heath with Concannon bagging a hat-trick and Shaun Terry grabbing the fourth.

Town have also booked their place in the semi-finals of the SBJ Sports Insurance Challenge Cup with a 3-2 victory over Old Woodstock Town.

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