Dolby goes, two down, one to go?

21st November 2007 could turn out to be quite a significant day in the life of this blog. Possibly, probably even, England will fail to qualify for the finals of the European Championship and could it be that come the 22nd Steve McClaren will depart his post as the manager of the national side. By that time Gillingham will be three months into their managerless term and as Tonbridge parted company with Tony Dolby yesterday that could mean that all three of my teams will be rudderless. To lose one is unfortunate, to lose two is careless, all three means I should have given a lot more thought to the teams I follow!

I feel a bit more sorry for Dolby than I felt for Jepson, at least he achieved something significant with Tonbridge having got them promoted in 2006 following a memorable play-off victory against Dover. Saturday’s FA Cup 4th qualifying round defeat at Ware on Saturday proved the last straw for chairman Nick Sullivan, but the there had been public soundings in programme notes a couple of times prior. In truth, despite another good cup run, Tonbridge’s league form has been particularly disappointing and they presently reside in a relegation place. Dolby had been given a competitive budget during the summer, brought several players with reputations to the club who sadly have not lived up to their billing.

Supporters, especially those who frequent the messages boards, have made their feelings felt for some time and I’ve no doubt whatsoever that whether he reads the boards or not, these feelings were transmitted to Mr Sullivan. It was not only the disappointment of the FA Cup defeat, but the manner in which they departed the competition. Gutless and passionless were two of the adjectives that were used to describe the performance.

It's unimaginable that Tonbridge can take as long to appoint Dolby’s replacement as Gillingham, in fact my guess is that both England and Tonbridge will find another leader before the puffs of smoke are spotted from Priestfield’s chimney.

One day later and another manager of a team in which I take an interest is fired, Martin Farnie being sacked at Tunbridge Wells.