Worcester City: Q&A with director after turbulent week

Tuesday saw co-management team Keenen Meakin-Richards and Graham Deakin depart the club after just 23 days in charge.

Meakin-Richards stepped down on the morning of the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup tie with Droitwich Spa due to personal reasons, before Deakin was sacked after the resulting 3-0 defeat.

And after a week all involved with the club will want to forget, a series of questions were put to Jones, who was happy to respond on behalf of the board of directors. 

Q: On reflection, was hiring the previous two managers a mistake and why did it go so wrong?

"The first thing on our agenda at last nights board meeting was a full assessment/analysis of the previous recruitment process.

"We undertook an extremely rigorous and professional due diligence and interview process and, whilst of course nothing is perfect, we feel that you can’t legislate for a change in personal circumstances massively affecting the whole dynamic of a management team.

"As a compassionate and caring board we hope that Keenen resolves his problems as these come way before any football issues."

Q: As a board, do you appreciate that this next appointment is perhaps more vital than ever for the football club?

"Of course, although we would say that any appointment is vital for the club and most importantly our fans.

"What I can say is that, as a strong board and club that is being transformed, we are full of fight and desire to turn things around.

"We have been dealt so many low blows, yet remain at the heart of the city and a beloved sporting institution.

"The support we have had following our decisive actions this week has been tremendous and we hope the fans will join us at Claines Lane to fight with us to get us out of our current predicament, starting tomorrow in the FA Vase."

Q: The current team is now full of non-Worcester players, is that something you are hoping caretaker manager Stewart Watkins can address?

"As always the new manager will have our total backing to bring in the players they think fit to take our club forward.

"However, we know the love that having a local manager and players brings to the table and it’s at the forefront of our thoughts."

Q: If all goes well in this interim period, is Stewart Watkins a long term option for the managerial vacancy?

"Whatever happens in the next few weeks Stewart will have a place on our managerial shortlist and be offered a full depth interview."

Q: Are you considering other people for the role and how long might that process take?

"The process has started and we will shortly be inviting applications, which will set out a closing date. From there we will shortlist.

"Momentum is finally with us and whilst we will do things in a calm and professional manner we appreciate the need to show our amazing fans how much we are on the front foot and taking control of circumstances."