TOP MANN DARREN ACHIEVES HIS GOAL
DARREN Manning is bursting with pride after guiding Hullbridge Sports to safety in the club’s first ever season at Step 4.
Sports’ maiden campaign in BetVictor Isthmian North has come to a premature end, with the Essex Senior League champions five points clear of safety before the season ground to a halt.
And Manning, who took over at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium in November 2017, is pleased to have achieved his pre-season target of avoiding an immediate return to Step 5.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride in our first ever season at this level,” said Manning.
“We started the campaign poorly but then picked ourselves up before dropping off again shortly ahead of this enforced break.
“The decision to stop the season now means we have ended in a bad bit of form, but we expected to go on runs without a win.
“It was a case of us needing to deal with those disappointing runs correctly and I think we did.
“I have learnt a hell of a lot from a personal point of view because I have been assistant manager here and at Grays Athletic but being in the top job is a different kettle of fish.
“Our aim at the start of the season was to stay up, so I am delighted we have achieved that even if the season has not ended how we would have wanted.”
The decision to end the campaign immediately didn’t come without its critics but Manning believes the debate is only just beginning with the unprecedented situation making it impossible to please all clubs when it comes to deciding whether to enforce promotion and relegation.
“I thought the Isthmian League were going to wait for the Premier League, Football League and National League to make a decision, so I was a little surprised they made the announcement so soon,” added Manning.
“Deciding whether to put promotion and relegation into force will cause problems because they will not have everyone agreeing.
“I don’t envy those who have to make the decision as I can see both sides of the argument.”