CLUB STATEMENT: Spencer Knight

Spencer, who played for the Hawks during the 2009-10 season, returned to the Club in July 2014 to join Danny Chapman’s coaching team, and has been in the dugout for over 270 games.

Announcing his departure, Spencer said: “It is with some regret that I have today resigned from my position at Harlow Town Football Club.

“It has long been my intention to step down at the end of the season to fully pursue my ambitions of becoming a manager in my own right but with recent results and performances I have made this decision with the sole intention of attempting to help the club avoid relegation.

“I think a new voice in the dressing room and new ideas and methods on the training pitch could be the difference and gain the vital few wins that are now desperately needed. I’m sure the club will be inundated with offers from highly qualified coaches and whoever replaces me will join a strong backroom unit.

“I have had almost five full years at the club and up until this season, which has proven difficult for a number of reasons, I had enjoyed every moment.

“When I received the call from Chappo asking if I would join him in the summer of 2014, I had been out of the game for a while and wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back in and commit fully to non-league football again. I am pleased that he convinced me to join the project that he was already part way through and I would like to think I’ve helped along the way!

“For two seasons in the Ryman North we put together a talented, powerful and exciting team that narrowly missed promotion in the first year but got over the line via the play-offs the following year.

“I was fortunate enough in my playing career to have many great days and win plenty of trophies, but that afternoon winning the play-off final in front of a packed Harlow Arena and celebrating with the whole club afterwards will live long in the memory.

“I am proud of the club records that we broke in those seasons and the following year for achieving the club’s highest league position in the Premier Division in the modern era.

“Operating at this level has been a challenge for the club budget wise and we have had to cut our cloth accordingly on the playing side, not always being able to attract or keep the players that we would have liked. This has, of course, been a frustration for Chappo and I, but we have continued to work tirelessly with the players at our disposal and always tried to act as professionally as possible.

“On a personal note I would like to thank Chappo for giving me the opportunity to work at this club and I have learned a great deal from him that I will hopefully take into my next role. His desire for this club to be successful is an inspiration and I’m convinced he will be able to bring that success once again.

“Once the dust has settled I will certainly reflect on our achievements with pride and I am sure that in time the supporters of the club will look back on our period in charge with more fondness than they do right now.

“Success breeds an expectation that cannot always be met within the limitations of a football club. Fans do not always understand that and this season they have deserted the team in their droves. What they don’t realise is that all that does is limit the chances of success even further and an empty stadium helps no one but the opposition.

“I’m sure that some will be happy to see the back of me and if that brings a few to the Arena for the remaining three games then I will be pleased!

“For now, I too will be a supporter….up the Hawks”

Harlow Town FC Manager Danny Chapman added: “Spencer is at a time in his career where he wants to be a manager and so he should be. He has been professional, dedicated and a loyal assistant and friend over the last five years. He has been a major part of the success that we have brought to the club as a coaching team. He is highly regarded and respected my myself, all the staff and board at the club and most importantly by the players.

“This season has been tough for everyone and after a conversation that we had, we mutually agreed that this decision is right for Spencer and also the Football Club. I will not rush into a decision to replace Spencer as whoever that person may be, I need to make sure they are right for this Football Club.

“I wish Spencer every success in management and will remain close friends with him going forward. We now need to concentrate on the last six games of the season and remain focussed on the task in hand.”

Everyone at Harlow Town FC would like to thank Spencer for his hard and dedicated work over the past five years, and we wish him all the best for the future.