Bridgwater Town part company with Phil Hucker as relegation looms

Hucker, formerly chief scout of National League South side Weston-super-Mare, replaced Craig Laird in the Bridgwater dugout after he left for Dorchester Town in January.

The new boss was unable to turn the club’s fortunes around, however, and they have lost all nine of Hucker’s matches in charge.

Despite keeping scorelines tight for the majority of those games, Saturday’s 6-0 defeat at Mangotsfield United was the final straw and the club confirmed Hucker had left on Monday.

Dave Pearse has taken temporary charge of the side and his first game will be Tuesday night’s trip to promotion hopefuls Salisbury. If Bridgwater fail to win the game, they will officially be relegated to Step 5.

While Bridgwater said Hucker’s departure was mutual, the man himself says he didn’t see it coming and was planning to rebuild next season.

“It says mutual consent – but I was sacked,” he told the Bridgwater Mercury. “I took the role knowing it would be an uphill struggle, knowing the possibility of relegation, with a small budget and working with the players we had, but I hoped to build for next season.

“I felt our performances had improved and – with the exception of [a 6-0 loss to Mangotsfield United] ­– we were always in games, so I did not see it coming.

“Even when we’ve been getting beaten, I’ve been learning and enjoying the experience. I would like to get back into another coaching role at whatever level, so if other clubs have a position I would be interested in talking to them.”

A club statement confirmed: “Bridgwater Town have parted company with first team manager Phil Hucker.

“The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for all his efforts during his time in charge of the squad. Dave Pearse will take the side for Tuesday’s trip to Salisbury.”