End Of An Era As Ian Chandler Leaves Whitley Bay

IT’S the end of an era at Northern League side Whitley Bay after manager Ian Chandler last night resigned from his post.

Chandler led Bay to unprecedented success in the FA Vase, winning the trophy three times in a row at Wembley. In the process they became the first club to win it in three consecutive years and the first to win it four times.

In 2009, the Seahorses beat Glossop North End 2-0 before thrashing Wroxham 6-1 the following year and completing the hat-trick with a 3-2 success over Coalville Town.

Chandler, who celebrated ten years in charge at Hillheads Park in January, has decided to call it a day with his side unable to replicate their Vase success’ in recent years.

The former Bay player, who scored the winning goal in the club’s 2002 Vase triumph against Tiptree United, leaves the club 13th in the Northern League Division One with his last game in charge being a 3-2 victory over Newcastle Benfield almost two weeks ago.

Chandler said: “There will be many people speculating to the reasons for my resignation. All I’ll say about that is it happened rather quickly and by shock last night, and it was a case of me having been put into a situation where the only option was for me to call it a day.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the club for their support over the years with special mention to the fantastic fans, players, coaches, secretary and assistants who I have had the pleasure to meet and work with.”