Martin Farnie, first team manager of Tunbridge Wells FC has lost his job following a poor start to the Kent League Premier Division season. He will be replaced by reserve team manager Mike Robbins.

The move follows a run of poor results which came to a head in the 6-0 reserve away at Croydon. Despite a morale boosting 5-2 victory at home to bottom side Faversham Town on Saturday the club decided it was time to act.

When asked about the decision chairman Nigel Bourne said, “Last night, Tuesday 30th October I handed Martin Farnie his notice of dismissal as first team manager for the club, and suspension from the executive board, based on gross misconduct charges. He has the opportunity to defend himself at the next executive board meeting. Mike Robbins, the reserve team manager is now the first team manager, and will be managing the team for the VCD Athletic game on Saturday.“

Mr Bourne was understandably unwilling to comment on the additional suspension from the executive board, as Mr Farnie has yet to put his side of the story to the executive board.

As far as the dismissal as first team manager is concerned, Mr Bourne had this to say, "Martin's dismissal as first team manager is based on his poor results over the two years he has been with us, if you work the figures out, he has had a 14% win rate; this is not good enough for the club." Mr Bourne was keen to stress that the club appreciated the hard work put in by Martin, "The board members and players all wish Martin Farnie the best for the future and we thank him for his hard work."

On the appointment of Mike Robbins Mr Bourne was full of praise for the new man at the helm, “He comes highly recommended for the job and if he concentrates his efforts 100% on the first team, he will be a success, it is the way forward, we are all sorry to see Martin go but if you don’t get the results, you don’t keep your job.”

When I asked about what would now constitute success this season, Mr Bourne was very upbeat, “I made the forecast when I took over as chairman that we will finish towards the higher end of mid-table. We have some new players now, it may be possible to do a little bit better than that, I would hope for a top six finish. Next year I would hope that the club is in the position to actually challenge for promotion.”