AFC Croydon Athletic, the non-league football club owned by Stormzy and Wilf Zaha, last night announced that their manager, Jermain McGlashan, had left his post.
It is the third managerial departure in the 14 months since the global rap star and former Palace forward, together with Danny Young, took over the Thornton Heath-based club.
McGlashan’s arrival as manager last October transformed the playing fortunes of the team, as they went from lowly 17th in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South to battle their way into the play-off final – and won promotion to Tier 8 of English football, the Isthmian League South East Division.
Timed out: Jermain McGlashan
But last night’s announcement came a day after the Rams had lost their latest league game 3-0 at Erith, leaving them in 18th place in the 22-team division, still without a league win this season. After winning their first preliminary round fixture, the Rams are now out of this season’s FA Cup, although they have won their first FA Trophy game.
The club statement said: “After discussions between Jermaine McGlashan and the owners it has been agreed that the time is right for him to step down from his position as manager after just under a year at the helm.
“McGlashan took over as manager with the club in 17th place in the Combined Counties League and steered the team into the playoffs. Two tough away games were successfully negotiated to see promotion secured last May. There has been a mixed start to this season but the team is still waiting for its first win in the league…
“Chairman Danny Young thanked him for his work at the club. ‘It has been an exciting time and I want to thank Jermaine for his hard work. He has worked tirelessly during his time with us and wish him every success in the future’.
“McGlashan built a good rapport with the supporters and will be missed by fans.
“He will always be remembered for getting the club promotion to the Isthmian League and will always be welcome ay Mayfield Stadium. Assistant Manager Chris Zebroski also steps down from his role alongside Jermaine McGlashan.
“Further announcements would be made in due course.”
Party time: co-owner Stormzy celebrating the play-off win with the players back in May
In a pre-season interview with the BBC about the fast-rising non-league club, McGlashan had said: “We have a target on our back because of our high-profile owners.
“When you have got owners like we have, everyone assumes they are just chucking money at it.”
Stormzy paid for the whole squad to have a holiday in Ibiza following last May’s play-off final win. “I always get an extra 10% out of my players when Wilf, Stormzy or Danny are watching,” McGlashan said in August. “The boys give an extra bit more.”
Though apparently, not enough so far this season.
Croydon-born McGlashan, 36, a former Cheltenham Town winger, had been managing Combined Counties league rivals Fleet Town when he got the call to Mayfield Stadium at the end of October last year.
Tough position: the latest Isthmian League South East Division table (which shows Athletic with just two points, despite having had three draws in their first five games this season)
McGlashan issued his own statement that began “Thank you Croydon Athletic”.
He said: “Today, myself and AFC Croydon have decided to part ways.
“This time last year, to be appointed by a club in my hometown, sitting 17th in the Combined Counties, I’m so proud to have achieved play-offs and promotion at the first time of asking.
“The connection with the community and supporters throughout has been unreal from the second I stepped in the building. That is something I’ll never forget.
Club statement: Athletic put this out just after 9pm last night
“The team is well-poised to really kick-on and continue to go from strength to strength with exciting stuff going on off the pitch.
“To my staff and players, a massive thank you for all the effort and commitment over the last year.
“I’d also like to thank the owners for the opportunity.
“Finally, the Rams fans, I’ll always remember my first game away on the island, seeing you travel out as we got our first win, and in the final where the energy and love was immense around the place.
“I wish AFC Croydon all the best in the future and will be done to a game in the near future, I’m sure.”
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