News

The Moat boss was told the news moments after speaking to the Mail about last night's shock 2-0 Derbyshire Senior Cup defeat at the hands of Graham St Prims.

He received a phone call from Gresley chairman Mark Evans and was informed of the board' decision to relieve him of his duties.

With Rovers languishing near the foot of the Dr Martens Western Division table, last night's defeat appears to have been the last straw and marks the end of Kenning's topsy-turvy reign as Moat boss.

He took over from Gary Birtles towards the end of the 1998-99 season but was powerless to prevent relegation from the Premier Division.

After a poor start to last season, there were signs towards the end of the campaign Kenning was beginning to turn things around but Rovers have struggled to string performances and results together this term.

Kenning remained philosophical after being told of the decision saying: "The directors had a meeting after the game last night and the chairman has just phoned me to tell me I am being sacked. That's the way it goes, there is nothing you can do about it.

"I never quit anything - I have done my best and worked my hardest and can only wish the club all the best for the future."

Kenning had earlier spoken of his belief things could have been turned around despite last night's defeat, but was well aware pressure was mounting on him.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself and try to take as much pressure as possible off the players, but they have to take some responsibility," he said. "I know the ins and outs of management and what goes with it. You go by your results, mine are very up and down, and I am mystified by our results - I can't understand where we are coming from.

"I enjoyed being manager of Gresley Rovers but last night's defeat really hurt. I expected us to reach the final, and I have to put it right.

"I came here just before we were relegated and the club needed a revamp. The second half of last season was good but we have not built on that. I don't like losing and I would have thought there would come a stage if results keep going against you where you have to analyse things and realise changes need to be made. Invariably either the manager or the players go and you have to do something about it."

Kenning was convinced he could have turned things around and believed the addition of a couple of experienced players would have made all the difference.

"We are very close to being a good side and I just think we need two experienced players," he had said. But those experienced players are very hard to find and when you do find them they cost a lot more than we have available."

Rovers now find themselves looking for another new boss as they enter a vital week of league and cup action.

Reserve team boss Alan Titterton seems likely to take temporary charge of the team for Saturday's FA Umbro Trophy clash at home to neighbours Rocester, which is followed by a Dr Martens Cup tie with Hinckley United on Tuesday and then a vital home league clash against Weston-super-Mare.

Rovers chairman Mark Evans said: "I can confirm that Gresley Rovers FC released Brian Kenning from his duties as manager today. A formal press statement is being prepared that will express our sincere appreciation of the hard work he has done and wish him all the best for the future.

"It had been our hope that he could turn around the disappointing start we have had to the season. We will be making a further statement with regard to responsibility for the first team game against Rocester on Saturday and the appointment of a new manager.

"There is no shortlist and we will be advertising the post."