Fans in disbelief after Non-League club announce sacking of manager in 'shameful' statement

Ninth-tier side Bridgwater United have been heavily criticised for their "terribly worded" and "disgraceful" statement confirming the sacking of Dave Pearse.

Pearse was relieved of his duties on Monday afternoon following his side’s 2-1 defeat at Torpoint Athletic.

But many have questioned the surprise decision as in-form Bridgwater sit second in the Western League Premier Division table, just one point behind leaders Helston Athletic.

The 39-year-old, who has been player/manager at Bridgwater for seven years, has guided his side to 10 wins in 14 games this season.

That being said, the club have moved to promote their assistant manager, Andy Llewellyn, as full-time boss ahead of their upcoming clash against Nailsea & Tickenham.

In a statement on their official X account, Bridgwater confirmed the sacking of Pearse.

"The club announces that Dave Pearse the club manager has departed from Bridgwater United," they wrote.

"After 7 years as Player Manager/ Manager (2 yrs. covid break) the club has not achieved promotion. This season results so far have been good but not great. The 3 losses costing the club 9 points and over £10k in costs are not acceptable to our new owner Ian Davis.

"Ian is a very keen football supporter and wants the club to be promoted and has made this decision with a heavy heart but feels it’s very necessary that new blood is introduced to the club to give it the push it currently needs.

"Ian has invested a considerable amount to get the club clear of debt and has improved the grounds and the facilities and only wants what’s best for the club. It’s all about the club not any one person."

Here's how social media reacted to the statement.

One fan said: "All in all, just a terribly worded statement. Nothing more than an incoherent ramble. Then you realise they’re 2nd with just 3 defeats in 14, plus factoring in the manager’s long-term service and the whole thing is even more baffling."

A second wrote: "Second in the league, top until last weekend. Want ‘fresh blood’ but promote the assistant manager. This is proper Harchester United-type stuff. Ludicrous."

A third commented: "The worst statement I’ve ever seen in non league. Disgraceful," while a fourth said: "This is an embarrassing statement."

A fifth added: "What a disgraceful way to talk about a bloke who has worked himself to the bone for his club. 3 losses by November and second in the league, most teams would dream of a start like that."

Bridgwater have since announced the appointment of former Bristol City full-back Andy Llewellyn.

"Andy brings a wealth of football league experience having made over 300 career appearances for Bristol City as well as short spells at Exeter City and Hereford United," another statement read.

"Supporters might be familiar with Andy as he’s the father of current vice-captain Jake Llewellyn and midfielder Tom Llewellyn.

"Andy’s job will be to pull back the 9 point loses from our trips down south and get us back on the promotion path.

"Our Chairman Ian Davis said, 'It’s time for some new blood and I believe Andy is the right person for the job.'"