Blue Square North club Worcester City have appointed Carl Heeley as caretaker-manager until the end of the season after the departure of Richard Dryden, who was relieved of his duties earlier this week.
Heeley, who was Dryden`s number two at St George`s Lane, said: “The first thing I want is to thank Richard Dryden, both from myself and everyone else at the club, for all his hard work for Worcester City Football Club. He's an honest guy and knows, the same as the rest of us, that the football business is all about results and Worcester City is no different.
“It's a demanding club and people form their views for whatever reasons but the recent events are the inevitable outcome if results don't meet expectations.
“It was after Monday's match that I found out what was happening. After the usual post-match business had been dealt with Richard told me that the board wanted to see him. After meeting with them he came to me in the bar and said that it had been agreed that he would be leaving.
“The board then asked me to take over until the end of the season and gave me a clear remit to avoid relegation.
“It's already been hectic but I shall be sitting down with the players and they'll all be fully informed about what's going to be happening. I shall be looking for commitment from each of them individually. I aim to keep as many of the squad as I can and I have no reason to believe that they won't support me.
“Costs and resources need to be managed effectively in line with the needs of the business but there has been no pressure put on me to make any cuts.
“George Rooney will continue in his role in an advisory capacity for the club. His huge amount of knowledge is probably greater than anyone's in the non-league game. His advice is open and always on offer and we have had lots of dialogue in the past couple of days.
“In the short-term we have a massive game coming up on Saturday against Weymouth followed by a tricky F.A. Trophy replay at Carshalton. We are looking to progress in both the league and the Trophy. The replay gives us another bite at the cherry although we will need to play better than on Monday to get through. The mood is definitely not one of all doom and gloom and we have another opportunity to move forward.
“This season's aim now is to string some results together and move away from the relegation zone and not until we have done that will we sit down and discuss any longer-term goals.
“Obviously I've seen what each of our players can do. I have my own views which I want to instil in the team. They will all be given the opportunity to do it my way. We need results and if it turns out to not be working then I will have to shuffle the pack.
“It's an honour for me to have been given this job and there is no other club which I would want to be manager of. The circumstances in which I have got the job are unfortunate but both Richard and I are fully aware of how things work out in these situations. We are both mates and that is not going to change.
“I never considered myself to be the best of players but I did have a determination and commitment to do well and I want the players individually and as a group to reflect these essential qualities. They need to know what to do and I'll be making sure that they do know.
“I won't ever be using any excuses such as having to work on a shoestring budget or any other constraints. Such claims would be inaccurate anyway as I see what I have to work with as being to manage costs and to live within the means that the club can afford.
“I have been given clear goals as to what is required of me until the end of the season and this is what I intend to concentrate on. If I go out and succeed then we will be in a better position to move forward.
“As is well known, there has been a lot going on off the field at the club but the team and I have no need of negative comments nor a defeatist attitude. There is nothing to be gained from continually commenting on the past. I need the supporters to back me and the team. They might not realise how much help they can be. The players will be focused on achievements on the pitch and will be shielded from the other matters. There will be no excuses.”
(Kieran Mooney)
