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Berry quits on a high

Simon Smedley
30/ 4/2008

IT WAS a day of high drama at Lambeth Grove on Saturday as brave Woodley Sports survived the dreaded drop from the UniBond League thanks to a 0-0 draw against Lancaster City.

Ahead of the game, it was either Woodley or Bridlington Town who would take the one relegation place.

The two teams were level on points after Sports had been deducted a point last week for fielding an ineligible player, but the Stockport outfit did have a vastly superior goal difference.

Thankfully though, it didn’t come to that as Woodley battled to earn their point while Town were going down 2-1 at Chorley.

So the Steelmen live to fight another day in UniBond division one north next season, but after such an emotional and highly-charged weekend for the club, it emerged that Ash Berry, the Sports manager only appointed nine weeks ago to replace Chris Willcock, decided to quit his post on Monday night.

Berry, who had initially spoken of his pride and relief on Monday morning after guiding Woodley to safety, is believed to be set to take up a similar coaching position much nearer to his Yorkshire base. Berry goes with the blessing of Lambeth Grove chiefs, however, as yet another search for a new manager begins once again.

Sports chairman Pete Sullivan said: "I’d like to put on record my appreciation for everything Ash has done during his relatively short time with us.

"He did a fantastic job in keeping us up and we will always be grateful to him for that."

Dave Sullivan will remain as assistant manager for next season and George Smith will stay on as director of football, but potential applicants for the manager’s job are now being asked to make initial contact with Woodley’s club secretary Rod Haslam on 0777 2223115.