Weatherstone,
an ex-professional footballer who co-runs a youth academy and had been heavily
involved with the North Hampshire club's under-23 team over recent seasons,
leaves his post after six months in the role following a disappointing start to
the season.
Newton
had been involved in the first team coaching set-up at Hartley Wintney during
the two Covid-interrupted seasons, having joined as a player in 2019. He became
joint first-team manager with Weatherstone in the summer when Anthony Millerick
stepped down.
Their
departure comes, despite The Row celebrating their first home win of the season
24 hours earlier, defeating fellow league strugglers North Leigh by a solitary
goal. While their tenure was undeniably made a lot harder by a succession of
injuries to key players, performances had been at best inconsistent.
The
Row made early exits from the FA Cup, FA Trophy and Hampshire Senior Cup, and
sit in the relegation zone.
In
a statement, Weatherstone said: "Following the resignation of Ty Newton
earlier today, I feel as joint manager it is my duty to step aside with him, as
we came into the role together. Hartley Wintney FC is a great football club,
and I am honoured for the opportunity to have managed this great club. I look
forward to being back in a 1st Team dug-out again at some point. For now, I am
pleased to remain at the club, working with Andy in the under-23s and
supporting the whole club onto a successful season."
A
caretaker management team have been put in place ahead of a final decision on a
permanent replacement.
Director
of Football and former first team manager, Anthony Millerick, alongside former
Leatherhead manager and Hartley Wintney coach, Luke Tuffs, and former Hartley
Wintney assistant manager, Steve Noakes, will guide the team through its
forthcoming league games at home to Yate Town and Hendon.
Hartley
Wintney have thanked Weatherstone and Newton for their dedication and hard work
in what has been a very difficult and luckless introduction to management at
Step 3. It is hoped that both will continue to have roles within the club.
Elayne
Duddridge
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