The
decision followed extensive talks with the club after the disappointing run of
form the Eagles have been on since the end of November.
Abbey
told club press officer James Smiles on www.bedfordeagles.net: “It is with
regret that I have decided to leave the football club. This was an extremely
tough decision for me to make, as my love for the club was clear to see.
“I've
known Jon Taylor for many years, which has seen us build a great friendship. I
had brief chat and explained that I would put results before our friendship,
and I would treat the job like any other job. If I felt the results were not
good enough, I would step down regardless if he wanted me to stay.
“During
our 12-game unbeaten run between August and November I felt we was still
playing in third gear and if we could get up to fourth or fifth gear, we would
go onto doing something special. Unfortunately, we dropped down to second gear
and individual performances started to suffer, with results turning to losses.
I was always concerned, despite many wins, that we were playing poorly and
eventually this would catch us out. In the end, it did.
“We
lost five players over the last eight weeks, which was beyond our control. When
you win games, it's difficult for players that have been subs to get a start.
Some of these individuals left to go and play regular football elsewhere, which
is understandable. Equally, a couple decided to go and play a division higher.
I acted as quickly as I possibly could bringing in two quality players on loan
from a club two divisions higher. Unfortunately, both have been injured in
recent weeks, with one being long term. I then worked hard to bring in Jake
Newman, another goalscorer who has had a great start to his time with us. At
this point, we were still five players short of getting back on track, and a
few deals that were agreed fell through at the last minute for whatever reason.
Other targets that would have made us stronger were too expensive for the
football club to afford. Within that we picked up more injuries than we could
have coped with which really put a dent in our squad.
“The
last game what was the final straw for me. We basically had twelve fit players
for the game, which simply isn't good enough for a club of Bedford’s stature.
Not having a sub to turn to, to impact a game, especially when you’re losing is
very difficult as a manager to digest.
“We
were in similar form and league position at this stage of last season. In fact,
we are currently one defeat better off this season. From this point last
season, we still made the playoffs, so I felt by giving someone the opportunity
now a bit of success could still come, hence my decision to leave.
“I
am extremely thankful for the opportunity JT gave me eighteen months ago. He
put his trust in what I had delivered him in a successful season last year, in
appointing me the manager. We both had a fantastic 16 months collectively and
then individually, however the last two months has been a tough one for all
concerned. At these points, you have to do the right thing for the football
club.”
The
Eagles have moved swiftly for a replacement by appointing Mark Duckett as Abbey`s
successor.
Ducket
has left his role at Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side
Eynesbury Rovers to take over at the New Eyrie.
He
has initially been appointed until the end of the season, but the club are
hopeful that both parties will wish to continue the agreement having had a
successful end to the season.
Duckett
has a good playing background, having been at numerous clubs including St Neots
Town, Codicote, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hitchin Town, Brackley Town, Corby Town,
Barry Town, Aberystwyth Town, Braintree Town and Stevenage Borough.
He
also played for the Eagles over two spells, before his playing career was cut
short at 29, due to injury.
Since
retiring, Duckett has gone on to successfully manage Eynesbury at Step 5 level.
His tenure there has resulted in them securing a top half position over the
last few seasons, and strong runs in the Buildbase FA Vase this season and
last.
Speaking
to www.bedfordeagles.net, Ducket said: "Bedford is a massive club. It's
played a part in my playing career, and I'm delighted to be back at the Eyrie.
I've worked hard over the past three and a half years for this opportunity, and
I'm ready to get going with the project.
"The
Eagles family are unique in non-League, like a family. Returning to the club is
like coming home. It's clear to see that there are some changes that need to be
done, but I'm going to steady the ship and steer us to as high a finishing
position as possible this term."
Director
of football and operations Jon Taylor commented: "We've had a lot of
interest in the last 24 hours, and out of the candidates that put their name
forward, I recognise that Ducks was the man to take us forward. He is a good
young manager who knows a lot of players and we're looking forward to seeing a
positive reaction on Saturday".
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