A Statement from Hayden Bird
Hayden with a special message for everyone at Kingstonian.
It is with both sadness and great reluctance that I announce my decision to leave Kingstonian.
Since the Cup Final, I have been in a number of lengthy discussions with the Club regarding next season. Regretfully, although both the Directors and I have worked long and hard to find solutions, our ideas are just too far apart to reach agreement.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for this hugely enjoyable period in my career. The Directors have been a pleasure to work with, while the willing volunteers are a credit to the club. I have also been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a loyal, dedicated and talented Management Team. My thanks to each and every one of you.
I would like to reserve a special thank you all of the Kingstonian players. Not only the players from last season but to all of the players who have represented Kingstonian in my three years here. All of you have been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to work with. I will miss you all.
Most of all though, I would like to reserve a special message for the supporters. More than any other club I have managed during my twenty four-year career, this club is about the fans. Since I arrived in 2019, your support has been overwhelming. No one deserves success more than you; the Kingstonian faithful. I sincerely hope Kingstonian achieve the success you all deserve and your dreams of a new ground are realised. We’ve made some great memories together, memories I will cherish. Equally, your support during the difficult period we experienced in February and March was truly unbelievable. Thank you to a very special group of people.
I would like to stress that I am not leaving to manage to another club. I'm simply moving on as myself and the Board see things differently. It's nothing more than a football decision from both myself and the club. As disappointing as it is, it’s part of the game and there are no hard feelings.
Despite this, I have no doubt Kingstonian have plenty to look forward to. Having just achieved a memorable cup double, Nigel James has some exciting prospects coming through the ranks. The new manager will have great people to work alongside with a passionate, loyal fan-base to inspire the team.
For me, it's been a challenging few months and it's time to take a complete break. I'm sure we will see one another again soon on the terraces at Imperial Fields.
Come on you K's!
Hayden Bird
