Simon Houghton has been relieved of duties as Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager
Simon Houghton has been the boot by Shaw Lane Aquaforce – despite his now-former side being third in the Toolstation NCEL Division One table.
Aquaforce lost 1-0 at Dinnington Town yesterday and that appears to have triggered the decision by a club which openly admits that it wants to win promotion in its first year as an NCEL team.
Whilst the defeat was Aquaforce’s second on the spin and seventh of the season, Lane are only one point behind second-placed Cleethorpes Town and the Barnsley-based outfit still have them to play
Houghton had guided his side to 19 wins in the league including the 11-2 demolition of Louth Town in December so his departure comes as a shock.
Aquaforce were also by far the highest goal-scorers with 83 goals scored since August.
The former Pontefract Collieries boss has a track record of managing or assisting at promotion-winning teams – hence the reason for his appointment last summer.
But, Shaw Lane’s desire to go up and concern at recent results has denied him the chance to win a third consecutive promotion out of Division One.
Director of football Doug O’Connor, who managed the club in the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Senior League, has put in temporary charge.
Shaw Lane have 13 games remaining to win promotion.
There has been no club website announcement of Houghton’s departure, only a tweet by the club’s official Twitter account which said: “@NCEL disappointing results @SLAquaFC mean that Doug O’Connor will take temporary charge of 1st team following the departure of the manager.”