Post by QPR Report on Dec 28, 2008 7:39:30 GMT
Guardian - John Ashdown
Fairclough stands down as Barnet manager
• Assistant manager Ian Hendon will take over on Monday
• 13 games without a win prompts reshuffle at Underhill
The Barnet manager Paul Fairclough will stand down from his position following the club's fixture against Bournemouth tomorrow. Fairclough, the ninth longest-serving manager in the Football League, has been appointed as a director of the club and will be replaced by his assistant and former club captain Ian Hendon.
Hendon takes over with the Bees in 21st place in League Two, with only the points deductions for Bournemouth and Luton keeping the club out of the relegation zone. Fairclough was originally due to move into his new position as chief executive of sports development later in the season, but the reshuffle was brought forward in order for the new manager to make use of the January transfer window.
"The most important issue during this difficult period is the success of the team," said Fairclough. "Having worked equally as hard this season, if not harder, it just has not happened on the pitch. Consequently, if my standing down helps thrust the team then it will be worthwhile. In football it is ultimately the manager who pays the price for poor results. My chairman has been supportive but I will not allow him to suffer on my behalf any longer. I am of course regretful and also sad that my reign as manager has come to a premature end."
Fairclough joined the club in March 2004 and led Barnet to the Conference championship in his first season in charge. Mid-table finishes followed in each of the club's three campaigns in the Football League, but one home win all season and a recent run of 13 games without a win has left the Bees in a precarious position.
""I will lead the team for the last time at Bournemouth this Sunday," said Fairclough, who's last game in charge will be a crucial match in the League Two relegation battle. "I have loved every second of my time as manager and look forward to my new role in helping the club to grow.
Fairclough stands down as Barnet manager
• Assistant manager Ian Hendon will take over on Monday
• 13 games without a win prompts reshuffle at Underhill
The Barnet manager Paul Fairclough will stand down from his position following the club's fixture against Bournemouth tomorrow. Fairclough, the ninth longest-serving manager in the Football League, has been appointed as a director of the club and will be replaced by his assistant and former club captain Ian Hendon.
Hendon takes over with the Bees in 21st place in League Two, with only the points deductions for Bournemouth and Luton keeping the club out of the relegation zone. Fairclough was originally due to move into his new position as chief executive of sports development later in the season, but the reshuffle was brought forward in order for the new manager to make use of the January transfer window.
"The most important issue during this difficult period is the success of the team," said Fairclough. "Having worked equally as hard this season, if not harder, it just has not happened on the pitch. Consequently, if my standing down helps thrust the team then it will be worthwhile. In football it is ultimately the manager who pays the price for poor results. My chairman has been supportive but I will not allow him to suffer on my behalf any longer. I am of course regretful and also sad that my reign as manager has come to a premature end."
Fairclough joined the club in March 2004 and led Barnet to the Conference championship in his first season in charge. Mid-table finishes followed in each of the club's three campaigns in the Football League, but one home win all season and a recent run of 13 games without a win has left the Bees in a precarious position.
""I will lead the team for the last time at Bournemouth this Sunday," said Fairclough, who's last game in charge will be a crucial match in the League Two relegation battle. "I have loved every second of my time as manager and look forward to my new role in helping the club to grow.