Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Dave Anderson has stood down at Barton Town Old Boys after six years in charge
Dave Anderson has walked away from Barton Town Old Boys with his “head held high” after choosing to step down after over six years in charge.
Anderson told new Barton chairman Mark Gregory of his decision on Tuesday night. His loyal assistant Mally Parker also departs.
The pair leave the club with an enhanced CV as they have taken Barton from the depths from Division One to being a promotion-chasing Premier Division side.
“Six years ago when the club was fourth from bottom in Division One, I was asked at my interview: ‘where do I see myself in five years’,” Anderson told Non League Yorkshire.
“I said challenging for a place in the Evo Stik. I leave with my head held high. I feel we have done a good job.
“The club has consistently finished in the top six of the Premier Division. People also forget that we haven’t been in the Premier for very long.
“We’ve had great success, we’ve had a cup finals and we finished as runners-up in the Premier Division two years ago.
“My decision is nothing with Mark and the new people. I wish them all the best, I just felt the timing was right to move on.
“Six-and-a-half years is a long time and it is time for a fresh challenge.”
Anderson’s job was made harder last week as a number of key players joined local rivals Hall Road Rangers – including star striker Scott Phillips and captain Ash Dexter.
He believes the events what went on behind the scenes is a major reason for their departures.
He added: “Since Christmas, we’ve been run like a pub side and the players have been treated appallingly and that’s why they have chosen to walk away – because they’ve had enough.
“There have been times when they haven’t been paid.
“There was also the Rainworth incident when we turned up with no kit.
“There was a lack of representation on the club’s part as there was no chairman or match-day secretary.
“All this is nothing to do with the new people. They wanted me to stay.”
Barton have advertised the position, asking applicants to send CVs to markg@bartontownoldboys.co.uk.