Marine boss Sean Hessey leaves the club after five straight defeats

Pic: Marine AFC

SEAN HESSEY has left his role as manager of Evo-Stik NPL Premier side Marine after a run of five defeats in a row.

Hessey, the former Chester, Macclesfield, Accrington Stanley and Barrow defender, stepped up to take charge of the Mariners in February 2015.

With Marine all but doomed to relegation, Hessey inspired a remarkable late season run, leading the club to six wins and five draws from their final 12 games – including a last day win at Blyth Spartans – to remain at Step 3.

The club also enjoyed a good run towards the end of last season to steer them away from relegation trouble with the Mariners eventually finishing 15th.

Hessey’s side started the season well but their recent run of poor form has seen them drop to 19th in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier and just three points clear of the relegation places.

The Mariners have now begun the search for a new manager with the club having 14 games left in which to accumulate enough points to retain their Step 3 status.

Chairman Paul Leary told the club’s website: “It is perhaps the saddest day for everyone at Marine in that Sean masterminded our well documented great escape at the end of season 2014-15 and last season under his leadership we won the Integro League cup in a dramatic end to the final.

“This has been a football decision based on this season’s league results, current form and the increasing threat of relegation and apart from the FA Trophy games, things have not gone at all well, in addition to the club having had a number of Football Association charges and fines relating to poor player discipline.

“In my conversations today I have thanked Sean and Phil for their efforts and achievements at Marine in the last two years. I cannot fault Sean’s passion and commitment and I personally wish him and Phil every success at their future clubs wherever they may be.”