King’s Lynn Town part company with manager Ian Culverhouse with Paul Caddis taking over

King’s Lynn Town have confirmed they have parted company with manager Ian Culverhouse just days after they suffered a home defeat against Oxford City that left them nervously looking over their shoulder at the National League North relegation zone.

The former Norwich City and Swindon Town defender agreed to return to a third separate managerial stint with the Linnets in October – but has been unable to coax any meaningful improvement out of his side over the last four and a half months.

After his latest managerial reign got underway with a goalless draw at Southport, Culverhouse earned a first win back at The Walks Stadium when Gold Omotayo and Morgan Williams netted in a 2-0 victory against Leamington three days later.

A shock FA Trophy second round exit at the hands of Harrow Borough preceded consecutive league wins against Buxton and Oxford City in late November – but that was followed by a run of just three wins in their last 15 games.

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Change

Saturday’s home defeat will now go down as the final game of Culverhouse’s third stint as Linnets boss and he leaves them sitting five points and two places above the relegation zone.

A club statement released on Wednesday read: “King’s Lynn Town Football Club can confirm that the club has parted company with first-team manager Ian Culverhouse and assistant manager Paul Bastock.

“The club felt it was the right time to make a change in order to give the team the best possible opportunity for the remainder of the season.

“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Ian and Paul for their efforts during their time at The Docherty Walks and wishes them both the very best for the future.

“An update regarding the club’s managerial arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

Focus

An update on Thursday morning was annouced as former Hereford boss and Birmingham City defender Paul Caddis was unveiled as the new manager of the Linnets.

A statement read: “King’s Lynn Town Football Club can confirm the appointment of Paul Caddis as the club’s new head coach.

“This season has been a difficult one for the club and we recognise that recent results have left us in a challenging position as we approach the final stretch of the campaign.

“With twelve matches remaining, our focus is very clear: to do everything possible to secure our place in the National League North.

“The board has therefore made the decision to bring in Paul Caddis to lead the first team for the remainder of the season.”

The 37-year-old managed the Bulls for nearly three years, leading the club to their highest-ever finish and points total in the National League North.

In his first full season in charge, he guided the team to an 11th-place finish, before improving on that with a 10th-place finish the following season.

Caddis was sacked by the club last month after a winless run left them in the relegation zone.

Experience

Speaking of his appointment, King’s Lynn chief executive Bal Srai said: “We know this has been a frustrating season for our supporters and we fully understand the strength of feeling around recent results.

“Right now our focus is very simple: The remaining matches and securing the results we need.

“Paul brings energy, character and experience of this division, and we believe he is the right person to guide the team through this period.

“The club will also continue to work on strengthening the squad where possible as we push for the strongest finish we can achieve this season.”

A home game against Marine is next on the agenda for the Linnets.

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