John Whitehead has resigned as chairman of AFC Emley to close the chapter on a turbulent four days in the history of the reformed club.
Mr Whitehead’s position had become untenable after his decision to sack manager Darren Hepworth on Friday afternoon without consulting the committee.
It has been confirmed that Hepworth’s dismissal had “nothing at all to do with results” and that the row centred over a disagreement on club matters at a meeting on the previous night.
Emley have also revealed this morning that Mr Whitehead, ahead of kick off at Appleby Frodingham on Saturday, also informed the staff and players that he had appointed a new manager – without involving the committee.
That proved the final straw for the committee and they spent yesterday (Sunday) reviewing the original decision and after concluding that the issues relating to Hepworth and Mr Whitehead’s disagreement were not “insurmountable”, Hepworth was re-instated as manager.
Emley have also apologised to the unknown manager who had accepted the job offer in good faith from Mr Whitehead.
The chairman has since resigned and a statement said: “AFC Emley would like to place on record their debt of gratitude to Mr Whitehead. Whatever the circumstances of the past few days, nobody can deny the strenuous efforts to which he – along with support from his family – has gone to keep football going in Emley.”
Vice-chairman Terry Higgins has been appointed the interim chairman, until an Extraordinary General Meeting can be held.
A permanent secretary will be also appointed in the near future as Mr Whitehead also served in that position.
Emley are now hoping to move on from this sorry episode and Hepworth returns to the dugout on Wednesday when his promotion-chasing team visits third-placed Bottesford Town.
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