Lane playing a blame game

By Matthew Nash

GARY MEAKIN denies his departure from Rayners Lane was results-based – but says “internal issues” made it impossible for him to continue as manager.

The Lane announced that the former Burnham boss was leaving last Sunday – a decision which raised eyebrows after he had led them to promotion to Step 4 for the first time in their history just four months ago.

Chairman Pete Singh deemed the start to their maiden Isthmian South Central campaign to be not good enough following a run of three draws and three cup exits.

A 2-2 draw with Money-fields last Saturday proved to be Meakin’s final match in charge with the Middlesex club stating: “We extend our gratitude to Gary and his team for their remarkable contributions last season, which included our promotion to Step 4 and winning the Middlesex Senior Cup.

Break

“Moving forward, the club has decided to adopt a different approach to certain situationstions and lieves thatt a change be- in management is necessary to achieve our future goals.”

Meakin took over in the summer of 2023, guiding the club to a second successive promotion after beating Bedfont Sports on penalties in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North play-off final.

Having had such a short stint at the higher level this term, Meakin insisted he was available if the right offer came in.

“The chairman said it was based on results and we clarified that with him three times but I said it was impossible for it to be about results, we’ve lost three league games in our time here,” he said. “In 57 matches in charge, we won 41, drew nine and lost seven, scored 166 goals and conceded 74. So I know it’s not results-based.

“There were internal issues and I’m not overly fussed. I love my football but that’s my 16th season in a row as a manager now. I’m tired and I might have a break from the game.

“But in two weeks’ time I’ll be annoying my wife so I’m ready to be back in if the phone rings and something comes up which is of interest.”

Amicable

Singh, meanwhile, said the Tithe Farm side will take their time before announcing a successor to Meakin.

He said: “We are not rushing into an appointment. We haven’t spoken to anyone (about the role). We haven’t approached anybody.

“It was the right time to make the change but it is never a nice thing to have to do. It is an amicable split and I have spent the afternoon speaking to Gary, he has not gone on bad terms. We wish him and his team all the best and I am 100 per cent sure they will get another job in football.”

But Singh does not expect a new manager to win promotion again, adding: “Not necessarily – this is going to be a very competitive division and I don’t think anybody will be walking away with it.

“Of course, everyone looks to go up. Most of the players here have played at this level and above so there shouldn’t be an adjustment needed.

“We are out of three cup competitions already. In football sometimes you just don’t get going and that has been how it is for us this season.”