There will be a new manager in the dugout at Bracknell Town after the club confirmed Carl Davies had decided to step down.
The centre back confirmed that Tuesday nights match against Reading FC would be his last, but that he would continue at the club as a player.
The change means that Gavin Smith has however left the club.
Davies released a statement to Football in Bracknell that says: “I’ve decided to step down as manager. It’s a decision I’ve been thinking about making for a while now as I’ve been finding it difficult to be both manager and player.
“In recent weeks more than ever it’s been effecting my game on the pitch which I said from the start if that started to happen then I’d have to stop the management side. Add to that the pressure’s of work and home life (especially with a baby on the way) I feel it’s the best solution for the players, myself and the club.
“I’m still 100% committed to the club and hopefully this will see a return to me performing to my best level on the pitch. I’ve enjoyed my time as manager and would like to thank the players and those I worked closely with for their efforts on and off the pitch.
“Time to kick on now and see where the season takes us.”
‘The most important thing is that he will stay on as a player’
Bracknell Town’s chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse released a statement after attempting to persuade Davies to change his mind. He said: “We had a very open honest meeting, I knew he could not be talked out of it. He is so focused on what’s right for this Football Club. Carl has been so valuable to the club and the most important thing is that he will stay on as a player. He has so much more to give on the pitch and can add incredible value leading on the pitch. He was in the hot seat for 39 games, winning 30 drawing 5 and only 4 loses What an incredible record.
“We will be taking the remainder of the week reviewing how we move forward. We would like to thank Gavin Smith for his work as Carl’s Assistant and wish him all the best.
“Some early speculation concerning Mark Tallentire returning to the hot seat won’t be happening as Mark is enjoying his broader Board Level position helping shape the Educational Acadmey, and working on our longer term goals.”
Davies tenure
Davies was appointed player/manager in February 2018 until the end of the season after Jeff Lamb and Paul McGrotty left the club.
The Bracknell boss won the Bostik League South Central division manager of the month award in August.
He went on to deliver promotion back to step 4 of the English Football Pyramid as well as the Bluefin Sports Hellenic League Challenge Cup following a victory in the final over FA Vase winners Thatcham Town.
Read more: All the 21st century managers of Bracknell Town
What next?
Managerially, unsure but the club are flying high in the Bostik League South Central Division 1 and in to the third round of the League Cup with the Quarter Finals in site if they can get past Felixstowe & Walton United.
