Boss Phil Male leaves relegated Tividale

PHIL MALE has quit as manager of Tividale after a tough second season at Step 4 saw the club relegated back to the Midland League.

Tividale, the 2013-14 Midland Alliance champions, finished an impressive eighth in their first season in the Evo-Stik NPL South but this term has seen them struggle.

Manager Ian Long quit last May – and subsequently joined Alvechurch – after being told his budget would be cut in half and most of the playing squad followed him through the door.

Male and Ross Thorpe were appointed as joint-managers following Long’s departure and Male was left in sole charge after Thorpe’s exit in December.

The West Midlands club fought on but ended up finishing bottom of the table after winning just five of their 42 league games – leading to Male’s resignation.

He said: “I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to manage Tividale FC and I would like to thank them for the support I received from the officers, staff and players and wish them all the best in the future.”

General manager Leon Murray added: “We would like to thank Phil for what he has done over the last season.

“He came here in very difficult circumstances and even though results were not always favourable his enthusiasm and commitment to Tividale FC has been undiminished and the players he has brought in he has moulded into a competitive squad. I have loved working with Phil and wish him all the best for the future.

“I can also confirm that Tividale FC will start the search for a new manager with immediate effect and we will be making no further comment.”