Disastrous run ends rookie's reign

The Nailers dispensed with the services of Webster, pictured, and his number two Lee Williamson on Sunday after the club's 2-0 reverse at Newcastle Town on Saturday's final day, their side's sixth defeat on the spin in EVO-STIK League South.

Asked to take their first steps into management in December following the resignations of Anthony Danylyk and Paul Donnelly, the duo left Christchurch Meadow having won just five of their 25 matches at the helm and shipping 61 goals in the process, 25 in April alone during the run of six straight defeats.

Webster, 36, made almost 600 appearances for the Brewers, scoring 101 goals, before moving into Non-League with Ilkeston, Mickleover Sports and Basford United. Former Jamaica international Williamson also played for Burton, Mansfield and a number of pro clubs including Watford, Sheffield United and Blackburn.

Belper Town chairman Alan Benfield said: “We really hoped that Aaron and Lee would make a success of their first venture in management but sadly team strengthening, performances and results have all deteriorated since their appointments.

"They relied heavily on a youthful approach to team selection but the evidence, with a couple of exceptions, was that young players loaned from academies elsewhere cannot be a match for more experienced players in the Northern Premier League.

“It’s always regrettable when clubs have to make these difficult decisions but the atmosphere amongst supporters at the latter end of the season has told the whole sorry story. Supporters have voted with their feet in these games, with attendances dropping alarmingly as a number of heavy defeats sucked the enthusiasm out of the club."

He added: "Despite all this, we wish Aaron and Lee all the best in the future and hope that their next project will be less problematic than their experience here at the Marston’s Stadium.”

With planning for season 2018-19 set to start within days, the Nailers are inviting potential candidates with experience at Northern Premier League level to send their footballing CVs to secretary Ian Wright at info@belpertownfc.co.uk.

Images courtesy of @BelperTownFC/Twitter

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