It’s a busy time in the National League right now, as clubs prepare themselves for promotion, play-off and relegation scraps. There are more potential outgoings at Dagenham, a spat now resolved between Aldershot and Sutton, and another case of unfair dismissal at Woking?
Guiseley sack manager Cox
First up is this afternoon’s news that rock-bottom Guiseley have sacked manager Paul Cox. The Yorkshire club were beaten 1-0 by Gateshead last night, a result that leaves them five points adrift of Chester who are second bottom, and a massive ten points from safety.
Cox’s appointment at Guiseley raised a few eyebrows earlier this season. Cox had done a superb job with Barrow in recent years, and upon leaving Holker Street had been linked with Torquay and several other clubs. However, his move to lowly Guiseley has failed to turn their season around, and he has left the club after just five months at the helm.
Former Republic of Ireland and Preston defender Sean St Ledger has been named caretaker manager.
Sutton boss apologises to Aldershot
Sutton United manager Paul Doswell took to Twitter to defend/promote the use of artificial pitches this week, explaining how they had helped keep the club’s finances secure and provide a community hub for groups to play football through the week.
However, as part of his social media tirade, he suggested Aldershot were among a number of clubs in “desperate trouble” financially. It didn’t go down well with the Shots chairman, understandably, who demanded an apology for the potentially libellous tweets. And he got the apology, Doswell later adding on Twitter:
“Clearly stated personal views, many will disagree as well. Genuine apology to Aldershot wrong to mention them in context of tweet. The rally call to the supporters and interviews was reasoning. Huge respect for Aldershot as a club, management team and passionate support as well.”
Fans help Hartlepool fight another day
An online crowdfunding campaign by fans has helped ensure Hartlepool United will remain in business and fulfilling fixtures until the end of February at least.
Hartlepool Chairwoman Pam Duxbury met with solicitors and supporters this week to agree the process for releasing the funds so that the donations can be used to meet financial commitments.
The club is currently up for sale and said to need £150,000 per month to meet costs.
More Dagenham departures?
Cash-strapped Dagenham are continuing to deal with their financial hardship, and it looks as though any lingering hopes of reaching the play-offs are going to be dead in the water.
After selling Morgan Ferrier back to Boreham Wood last week, fellow strikers Michael Cheek and Ferjiri Okenabirhie look like being next out of the door. Both players are wanted by National League rivals Ebbsfleet, themselves still harbouring hopes of a play-off chase.
Woking appeal Young red card
In what may be another example of the quality of refereeing in the National League, Woking are to appeal the red card given to Matt Young against Chester at the weekend. After the game, Woking striker Reece Grego-Cox claimed that even Chester plays said they were surprised Young was shown a red card.
