Blackstones FC release new manager after only three short weeks in the job
30.07.2021
The United Counties League Division 1 side entered a new phase of turmoil after parting ways with rookie manager Alfie Tate. The youthful Blackstones gaffer was yet to manage a competitive game with the Lincolnshire side, arriving as former manager Mark Haines departed after a stop-start 20/21 campaign. Despite COVID setbacks, the Stones performed well last season, finishing sixth in the twenty-club-strong competition. Despite achieving seven wins and earning 20 points from 12 games, the club ran into severe difficulties as the season ground to a halt.
Blackstones faced an abrupt and costly move to the Eastern Counties League, as part of the nationwide FA non-league restructuring. Amid concerns over the club’s future, Mark Haines, and all of the playing squad apart from one player, departed from the side. After Blackstones appointed Alfie Tate, and successfully appealed the restructuring, they prepared for fresh United Counties League friendlies with a host of new players.
Unfortunately for Tate, the Stones suffered two stunning losses as the new players settled in the squad. The club’s narrow win over Burton Park Wanderers in their second friendly proved unable to paper over their defeats. In their first friendly, the club lost 9-0 to Stamford AFC, a club from the Northern Premier League, a step above Blackstones’ division. Alfie Tate’s most recent loss, 3-1 at home to the Stamford Bels, spelt the untimely end of his tenure.
Tate magnanimously accepted his fate in a Twitter statement, although, in the words of the former gaffer himself, ‘3 weeks is no time at all in football’. The ex-Blackstones boss tweeted that ‘I’m disappointed to be leaving with the lack of time I was given, but I wish the club and the new manager all the best for the season’.
The Cambridgeshire non-league side Eynesbury United replied to the announcement, labelling Blackstones’ decision ‘shockingly poor’, and Tate’s response a ‘classy statement’.
With the 21/22 season rapidly approaching, the Stones hired new manager Ryan Hunnings to fill the void. Blackstones fans will hope Hunnings can put his experience with clubs like Langtaft, Huntington, Oakham, and Uppingham to good use and steady the ship for the long campaign ahead.
