Wokingham Town boss Darren Purbrick steps down

Combined Counties League Premier Division North Wokingham Town have announced joint-manager Darren Purbrick has stepped down.

In a statement released by the club at 4pm on Thursday, it was confirmed that Purbrick has stepped down from his role, but that Matt Eggleston would remain as manager of the first team, alongside the current coaching staff.

The statement went on to thank Purbrick for his time in charge: “The club would like to put on record its sincere thanks to Darren for everything he has done, from starting with the under-18s Allied team to stepping in alongside Matt to save the first team from relegation.”

Purbrick – a former manager at Chalvey Sports and Woodley United, thanked the club for the opportunity: “I am taking the tough decision to step down as joint manager.”

“I would like to thank everyone involved at the club; the committee, the players and the fans, for giving me the opportunity to manage this wonderful football club.”

Club President Mark Ashwell added: “I can’t thank Darren enough for his dedication to the Suma cause, I would choose to go into battle alongside Darren in any circumstance. He is now etched into our Suma heritage and we love him.”

Purbrick was appointed manager at Lowther Road in April 2024 with the Sumas bottom of the table by five points. With 10 games remaining the new boss guided the Sumas to safety eventually finishing 15th of 20 teams.

Last season saw the club improve their league standing by one place, but a solid summer of recruitment in 2025 including Sean Moore and Ty Moorcroft saw the club firmly in mid-table with positive progress in both the FA Cup and FA Vase.

At the time of his appointment in 2024, Purbrick was no stranger to Lowther Road, having jointly guided the club’s under-18s to third place, and a cup final, in the 2022/23 Allied Counties Youth League.

He said: “I’ve been at the club for a good amount of time now, and have become part of the amazing Sumas family.”