Wessex Division One football: Ben Hatch departs New Milton Town as league confirms they won’t be relegated
NEW Milton Town are staying in the Wessex League – but they will do so without last season’s manager Ben Hatch, who has now left the club.
After an exceptional end-of-season run, the Linnets were agonisingly short of escaping relegation following a final-day loss. But the Wessex League has now confirmed the club are not going down to the Hampshire Premier League.
Wessex League league secretary Steve Smith said: “The decision has been made, and New Milton’s reprieve is confirmed.
“If there is an insufficient number of clubs that meet the promotion criteria from grassroots to the NLS step six, clubs in the relegation places may receive a reprieve based on average points per game.”
However, disagreements about the direction of Town next season has now seen Hatch depart the club.
The Linnets released a statement on social media saying: “Unfortunately, we have parted ways with Ben Hatch after discussions of next season.
“Ben would like to wish the best for the club after a thrilling last part of the season to all players, staff and committee.”
Hatch and his backroom staff took charge of the Linnets in November, with the club bottom of the table on zero points.
After rebuilding the team, a final-day defeat against Fleetlands – who secured a promotion play-off spot with the win – left them facing relegation due to an inferior goal difference to Frimley Green.
Hatch, who had a brief spell at Christchurch FC after a trophy-laden stint with Loch & Quay, said: “I really enjoyed my time at the club. It was a challenge, but from the past, you can see I loved the challenge and rebuild.
“The club didn’t want to go in the direction I wanted to go; they already have Matt Maybury, my goalkeeper coach from last season, taking over – I think they are just happy to sit in the league.
“But again, I want to thank John Breaker, the chairman, for having me there, and we will see what the future holds for me.”
As a player, Hatch played for Christchurch, Ringwood Town, Poole Town, Wimborne and Downton.