Rookie boss calls time on reign

18 Sep 2016 By David Watters

James Jepson has called time on his reign at EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Rugby Town.

The Valley manager, pictured left with club director Neil Melvin, stood down from his first management post on Sunday citing personal reasons following his side's 6-0 defeat at Brackley in the Emirates FA Cup's Second Qualifying Round.

Appointed in May as the successor to Dale Belford at Butlin Road, the 34-year-old went after seeing his side collect just four points from five league outings to sit third from bottom of the EVO-STIK NPL First Division South table.

In a brief statement announcing the departure of the former Notts County, King’s Lynn, Gresley, Bedworth, Rugby Town, Stamford and AFC Rushden & Diamonds player, Valley officials said they'd already started the hunt for his successor and promised to keep fans informed.

Rugby Town

A spokesman said: "Rugby Town have today accepted the resignation of manager James Jepson with immediate effect. James handed in his resignation shortly after the club's 6-0 FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round defeat to Brackley Town due to personal reasons. The club will now begin the search for a successor and a full statement will follow."

Image courtesy of Rugby Town FC

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Where next?

First round proper just got closer ... The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's clubs have the first round proper of the Emirates FA Cup in their sights after Monday's draw for the competition's third qualifying round.

Saturday's Premier Division action review The Emirates FA Cup took centre stage on Saturday but there were games in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division and Frickley Athletic recorded their first win of the season at the ninth attempt, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.