Falmouth Athletic DC search for new manager as Kellow joins Penryn Athletic Reserves (From This is The West Country)

Falmouth Athletic DC search for new manager as Kellow joins Penryn Athletic Reserves

8:20am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Cornwall Sport By Simon Larkins, Sports Editor

Falmouth Athletic DC’s preparations for the start of the Jolly’s Combination League season have been thrown into turmoil after manager Phil Kellow quit the club days before their first match.

Falmouth DC, who are due to face Newquay Reserves away on Saturday, were told by Kellow last Friday that he would be leaving the club to join Symon Winnan as manager of league rivals Penryn Athletic Reserves.
Kellow led Falmouth DC to a successful Falmouth-Helston Football League premier division title win two seasons ago.

But, despite a good season in the Jolly’s Combination League last campaign, it has been a difficult summer for Athletic.

They have lost captain Chris Tolley and striker Luke Kelland, to St Day, and Bobby Bryant has rejoined Falmouth Town Reserves.

Kellow’s departure will be the biggest blow though as he decided to leave the club to join Penryn to help his sons’, Scott and Steve, football careers.
They were both players at Falmouth Athletic DC, who have now also followed their dad to Penryn Athletic Reserves.

Speaking about the departure of Phil Kellow, Falmouth Athletic DC club secretary Derek Angove, said:  “All at Falmouth Athletic are shocked by Mr Kellow’s sudden move to Penryn, we were only informed on Friday morning and Mr Kellow told the players after our friendly game against Mousehole on Saturday.

“We are still trying to come to terms with his departure. As the season starts this weekend, we are in a very difficult position.”
However, Derek added that there was no ill-feeling between the club and their departing manager.

“There have been no problems between Mr Kellow and the club,” he said. “His reason for leaving is so he can further his sons’ football careers at Penryn.

“He has informed us that he will not be asking any of our squad to  join him, apart from his sons Scott and Steve, we will hold him and Penryn to that. All of the remaining players have informed us they are happy to stay with the club and we thank them for that.”

Angove added that he would be contacting the Cornwall County FA (CCFA) though to ask them if they would consider putting in a rule for a seven-day approach for managers.

Currently clubs must put a seven-day approach in for any players they wish to sign from an opposing team, but the rule does not apply to managers.

“We are trying to find a new manager but, being this close to the season start, it may prove difficult,” said Angove. “We are not happy to find ourselves in this position and hopefully things can get sorted out.

“I will be writing to the CCFA to see if a rule change can be added as I think that managers, like players, should have a seven-day notice of approach from another club. Then  at least the club knows that others are approaching their manager and they do not get left in the position we have been put in.”

Derek Angove added that any person who would like to be considered for the position can contact him via
e-mail at falmouth.athletic@talk-talk.net or via telephone on 07988041659.