Sacking ends seven year stay

The Royals officially launched the hunt for his successor after relieving Tooth of his duties on Sunday in the wake of his side's 2-1 reverse at Buxton on Saturday, their third defeat in a seven game winless run stretching back to a 1-0 victory at Stourbridge on Monday 10 October.

The results, including an early exit from the Buildbase FA Trophy in the first qualifying round at EVO-STIK NPL First Division South Leek Town, have left the Royals fourth from bottom of the top flight table.

Tooth, pictured, thanked the club's fans and volunteers for their support in an emotional statement on the EVO-STIK NLP Premier Division club's website.

He said: "To say I’m gutted would be an understatement as I have given the football club my everything in the seven years I’ve been involved as both assistant manager and then as manager but I totally understand that we are in a results business and this season although I believe we were beginning to turn a corner the results have not been there.

"It was always going to be hard to replicate the success of last season but the remit given to me at the start of the season was to stay in the league and I truly believe we would have done that. I've always said you need luck to be successful and this season we have had none.

“The messages of support I have received have been unbelievable and id like to thank all those who have taken the time to send their best wishes. Iv met some fantastic people in my time at the club and I've been lucky enough to work with some amazing players but my staff have been top draw through the years.

"My final thanks is to the supporters who I have got to know very well over the years. You are a special breed and as with all non league fans around the country you care and that is what made it worth while for me. The Ultras are the best out their and ill look forward to joining them at some games in the future

“I truly wish everyone involved with Sutton Coldfield Town FC all the very best for the future. I can hold my head high that I leave the club in a far better position than when I took over and I'll always be proud of what we achieved in my time in charge. My time now will be spent with Natasha and Samuel who have sacrificed so much over the years for me to be able work in football.”

The Royals paid tribute to Tooth in a statement inviting candidates for their vacant post to come forward.

A spokesman said: "After a very disappointing start to this season’s campaign, the board of directors felt that a change of leadership was necessary to give the club the best chance of maintaining it’s step 3 status. The club would like to place on record very sincere thanks to Neil for all that he has achieved for the club during his management.”

"While the club has been struggling this season, sitting in 21st place of the EVO-STIK Premier Division with just three league wins from 19, there is no doubt that ‘Toothy’ has been an incredibly popular manager who has brought success to a club and that he leaves it in a better position than when he started."

The spokesman added: "We would like to join the many fans who have responded with support for Neil Tooth through social media and wish him well for the future and thank him for what he has brought to The Royals over the past seven years."

Applications, with full details of experience and qualifications, should be submitted by email to: suttoncoldfieldtown@gmail.com.

Images courtesy of Sutton Coldfield Town and The Non-League Paper

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