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Relish steps aside as Bath City boss

Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 06:00

Adie Britton has been installed as Bath City’s new boss after a re-shuffle of the club’s management structure.

The club announced last night that John Relish has relinquished his role as team manager after more than three years at the helm – although the 54-year-old is not leaving Twerton Park.

In recent months, Relish has had a leading role in the development of new initiatives which it is hoped will benefit the club in the long term, with a stronger presence in the community and youth development, together with the prospect of a football academy in the near future.

Those programmes are now at an important stage and Relish feels he needs more time to see them through to a successful conclusion.

Following a board meeting on Monday evening, chairman Geoff Todd and his board were unanimous in praising the achievements of the management team.

They also expressed their delight that Relish’s talents would still be available to the club, together with their confidence in Britton and Lee Howells – whose job title changes from coach to assistant manager – to continue the good work.

Todd said: “This was not a surprise or shock but an evolution of the management structure, utilising the abilities and skills that John has nurtured around him in his staff appointments.

“We are certain that he will do this with the same professionalism that he has shown with the first team.”

Relish’s first season in charge saw City finish as runners-up in the Southern Premier Division and they won the title at a canter the following year.

Last term saw City challenge for a Blue Square South play-off place until the final day of the season before finishing in eighth spot.

A crippling injury list has hit them hard so far in 2008-09 and their league form has suffered as a result.

Last Saturday, Aylesbury United – a side from two divisions below City – knocked them out of the FA Cup at the third qualifying round stage.

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