Shearsby lands new role at Kenilworth

Kingham resigned after 11 months in charge at Gypsy Lane, saying he felt he had taken the side as far as he could.

Town currently lie three places off the bottom of the Midland Combination Division Two and Kingham, who was formerly in charge of Nuneaton Griff and Massey Ferguson, was known to be frustrated at his inability to field a settled side week-in, week-out.

After his final game at the helm, a 5-1 defeat against Sutton United, Kingham outlined his reasons for stepping away, saying: “I feel that I just can’t develop the squad any further.

“I would love to be able to have fielded at least seven of the same players in a team each week and I also had the problem with lads not being able to train.

“It’s not something I have been used to and I felt like I wasn’t managing the team, more just getting lads to play.”

While disappointed to see Kingham depart, Town chairman Andy Brooks was delighted to have replaced him with Shearsby and believes the former Leamington striker’s local connections will stand him in good stead for the task ahead.

“We’re very pleased to have got him in,” said Brooks, who also thanked Kingham for his hard work at the club. “He has so much Midland Combination knowledge and links with local players and still seems to have the passion.”

The appointment continues a roller-coaster few months for Shearsby, who started the season as assistant manager at Southam before being placed in caretaker charge when Luke Fogarty resigned three games in.

A derby win over Racing Club Warwick failed to land him the job full-time and he opted not to continue coaching at the club following the appointment of Lee Knibbs.

However, after just a few weeks out of the game, Shearsby said he was itching to get back and could not afford to turn down the opportunity at Kenilworth.

“After Southam I was left disillusioned and when Kenilworth came calling I thought maybe it was time to start at the bottom and earn my stripes again,” said Shearsby, who will be assisted initially by John Blunsom.

“I know it’s going to be hard work, but I’m up for the challenge.

“I need to attract a few new players, build on what we’ve already got here and then get some stability and the team moving up the league.

“But I’m just glad to be a part of it. It’s nice to know that on a Saturday I’m going to be involved in a game again and I’m thankful for Kenilworth for giving me that chance.”

Shearsby will have a watching brief for tomorrow’s trip to Polesworth before taking his first training session on Tuesday night.

 Goals from Alex Shilton (2) and Brenna Ruffley earned Kenilworth Town’s ladies a 3-3 draw against Atherstone in the Birmingham County Premier Division.