Shock exit: Angell departs Windsor & Eton despite strong start

Matt Angell with assistant boss Rob Webb after last season’s title win. Photo: Richard Milam

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Windsor & Eton have today (Wednesday) confirmed the surprise departure of first team manager Matt Angell, despite the club’s solid start to the season in the Combined Counties Premier Division North.

It’s been revealed that Angell will leave his role with immediate effect with the club sitting fifth in the league this season, having only been promoted to step 5 in April.

His assistant Rob Webb will take over as the club’s first team manager. The club said that Webb’s ‘commitment, knowledge of the squad, and leadership qualities have made him the outstanding candidate for the position’.

Angell has played a key role since the formation of the club just over two seasons ago, guiding the Royalists to promotion from the Thames Valley Premier Division in his first season in charge and leading them to the Combined Counties League Division 1 title last season.

A statement released by the club today said he’d led the team with ‘dedication and commitment throughout our journey to date’ adding that ‘under his leadership, the club have celebrated two promotions, milestones that will forever be part of our history’.

Senior club chairman Mark Cooper said: “When Matt was appointed at the formation of our club two years ago, he faced the daunting challenge of assembling a squad just one month before the season began – with the clear objective of securing promotion.

“Not only did he achieve that, but he went on to lead us to the CCL Division One title the very next season.

“Matt has been an outstanding leader and figurehead for this club, and his presence will be missed.

He will always be welcomed back with open arms.”

On the choice of Webb as Angell's replacement, Cooper added: "Rob has been an integral part of our coaching team from the very beginning, and he fully deserves this opportunity.

"Over the last month, he has shown his ability to lead the side with confidence, professionalism and passion. The players and supporters already hold him in high regard, and I have no doubt he will continue to drive us forward.”

Webb said it was an 'honour' to be offered the role. 

“It’s a real honour to be given the chance to manage Windsor & Eton FC," he said. 

"Having been part of this club since its formation, I know how special it is and what it means to our players, staff and supporters. I’m excited to build on the progress we’ve already made and to continue driving this team forward together.”

Adam Barnard will now move into the role of assistant manager, while the rest of the coaching staff remains unchanged.

Windsor & Eton have made a really encouraging start to life at step 5 and have been as high as third in the league this season.

On Saturday, they held second placed Broadfields United to a 1-1 draw and dropped back to fifth while last night (Tuesday) they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Reading City at home in the first round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

Toby Raggett had given the home side the lead on the half-hour mark but second half strikes from Muhamadou Ceesay (52') and Mckoy Palmer (55' pen) saw City advance to the next round.

Windsor & Eton return to league action at home to Harefield United on Saturday (3pm kick-off).