Brown Leaves With Dignity

Last updated : 24 March 2007 By Stray Shots Team

Aldershot Town Football Club announce that manager Terry Brown will be leaving his post after Tuesday evening's Conference National match at home to Weymouth.

Terry has decided to take a short break away from football due to his own personal circumstances.

West Londoner Brown requested a meeting with Chairman John McGinty and Chief Executive Doug Wilson after Friday evening's match at Gravesend and Northfleet.

Terry Brown joined Aldershot Town exactly five years ago after a successful management period at Hayes. Widely respected he quickly became popular with the Aldershot supporters.

He managed the club to the Ryman Premier Division championship in his first full season (2002/03).

In 2003/04 he led the club to the play offs in the Conference and Aldershot reached the play off final where they just missed out on gaining promotion into the Football League losing in a penalty shoot out to Shrewsbury Town in front of over 19,000 spectators.

They were the last club to achieve this feat as a part time outfit. The club also enjoyed the highest attendances at the Recreation Ground for 25 years.

In 2004/05 Brown led the club to the play offs again where they lost narrowly in a two legged semi final against eventually promoted Carlisle United, also in a penalty shoot out.

This season the Hillingdon born boss was in charge as Aldershot Town reached the FA Cup third round for the first time since its inception in 1992.

Upon announcing his departure Terry said, 'I think that this is the right time for both parties to move on.

"The decision to leave is by amicable agreement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman and Board of Directors who have always supported me 100% in my tenure at Aldershot.

'To Martin Kuhl, Paul Priddy and all the coaching and office staff I am so appreciative of your support and dedication. I also thank the players throughout my five years who have played such a part in the achievements and progress made.

'Most importantly though I thank the fans who have supported me at all times. You have been so supportive and enthusiastic through thick and thin.

"Even through the bleaker periods you have always stood by me. I sincerely wish the club and supporters every success in the future because it deserves it.

"It has given me great pride and honour to manage your club over the past five years and I will look back at these years with great affection'.

Chairman John McGinty paid his own tribute adding, 'Personally I find this a sad day that circumstances do not allow Terry to continue as manager. He has been a wonderful servant to the club and I wish him everything that he wishes for in the future.

'I hope that the supporters turn out in force on Tuesday evening against Weymouth to pay their own tribute to Terry because he deserves it.

'He has played a most important part in the history of Aldershot Town Football Club. I have offered Terry a life long Ambassadorship of the club and he has gratefully accepted.

"He will always be welcome back here at the Rec. All the best in the future to you Terry and thank you'.

From Wednesday March 28 Martin Kuhl has kindly accepted the role of Caretaker Manager pending the appointment of a new manager.

A full interview with Terry Brown is currently available on the Shotsline- 09066 555 855- and will be available in full on www.theshots.co.uk over the weekend.