Croydon FC, after a flying start to the season has put them five points clear of the South East Counties League first division and with a genuine sniff of their first promotion in six years, were rocked last night as they announced the abrupt departure of manager Antonio Gonnella.
Short stay: Antonio Gonnella had arrived at Croydon FC only in May
Gonnella had joined the Trams, Croydon’s longest-established non-league club, only in May, when he set his stall at winning the league title.
In a statement issued by the club’s directors last night, they said they were “disappointed”, and that Gonnella “has let us know of his desire to depart the club to pursue other opportunities”.
It is barely a week since Gonnella was named the SCEFL Manager of the Month, following victories in all of Croydon’s league games during October.
The Croydon directors’ statement said: “Whilst the situation is regrettable and has come as a surprise, we would like to thank Antonio and wish him all the best in his next venture.”
Five-point lead: Gonnella leaves behind a head start
The directors wasted no time in finding a replacement, immediately promoting to the top job Wayne Bullen, who had arrived together with Gonnella from Whyteleafe in May as his assistant manager.
“We are looking forward to his tenure and we know our loyal and growing fan base will get behind him from the off,” the directors said in their statement.
There has been no comment from Gonnella to indicate where these “other opportunities” might be, although Inside Croydon can reveal exclusively that he has not applied to be Gary Lineker’s replacement on Match Of The Day.
Early speculation suggested he might be moving to Ladywell and Forest Hill Park, the club Gonnella’s Croydon tonked 5-0 in their recent league clash.
Gavin English, Croydon’s always ebullient chairman, seemed keen to move on last night when he tweeted, “Top of the league and entering Wayne’s World… let’s go!”
For his part, Bullen said, “Just want to put on record my thanks to [Antonio] for the opportunity he has given me when he took me on at Croydon. His faith in me will always be remembered.
Quick promotion: Wayne Bullen takes over from Gonnella
“Can’t wait to get started with this fantastic opportunity. Up the Trams!”
And Kieran Rufus, Croydon’s captain and outstanding player in some of the recent games, said, “Want to say thank you to [Antonio] for everything he’s done for me personally. He believed in me this season when others doubted and gave me a chance to show what I do properly.
“Can’t speak highly enough of you gaffer.”
Bullen’s first match in charge will be on Saturday, away at Bridon Ropes in the SCEFL Challenge Cup. The Trams’ next home league fixture at Croydon Arena is the following Saturday, November 23, versus Tooting Bec.
Read more: Gonnella’s table-topping Trams on fast track towards promotion
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ROTTEN BOROUGH AWARDS: In January 2024, Croydon was named among the country’s rottenest boroughs for a SEVENTH successive year in the annual round-up of civic cock-ups in Private Eye magazine
A shame that Gonnella has left because he got Croydon playing attractive and winning football, as their league position demonstrates. It’s also great to see crowds up at The Arena, which is testament to the hard work the personable Gavin English, club officials and volunteers have put in.
You really feel that The Trams are on the up on and off the field, even with the problems surrounding the main stand. Hopefully the departure of Gonnella won’t derail Croydon’s push for promotion but with Wayne Bullen taking over I’m sure they are in safe hands.
I hope so – I went to see them last month and enjoyed it. £7 entrance and a pint in the club house at HT. Whats not to like !
Thought it was too good to be true – too many clubs are paying out far too much and they players think they’re far better than they actually are. What is called senior football is arguably too large but the game can still be enjoyed.
AG was doing a good job, it’s just a pity that he didn’t feel able to complete the season at Albert Road. We had horses for courses and now many have escaped the paddock and run off elsewhere.