Hamworthy United’s Luke Phillips has stepped aside to become assistant manager to Dan Cann, following the senior team’s withdrawal from the Southern League.
The Hammers announce their withdrawal at the beginning of last month, with Cann taking some time over what his next step would be.
Phillips said: “He decided he was going to join, playing for us initially. His body couldn’t keep up, so he started getting involved in the coaching.
“I said to him, look, why don’t you take the lead? Because we were going to do it 50/50 and I’ve never really been fussed about being the lead man. I’m more of a coach. I said to him to be the forefront manager and I’ll be his assistant.”
Phillips, 41, took over as the reserves manager at the beginning of the season.
The pair have a strong relationship, having known each other for seven years and their children sharing an interest in boxing.
Phillips added: “His knowledge of the higher levels is very useful. He commands respect. From the early days, it’s a blend and I’m usually the good cop.
“For him, it’s all about fitness. We bounce off each other well and we’ve got the same ideas. We obviously have some disagreements, but it’s about how you get them across.”
Previously the reserves team were unable to gain promotion, however following the senior team folding, there is now a greater emphasis on results rather than player development.
“There is added pressure of having results actually mean something. The added pressure of being the first team, we’re the senior men’s team at the club,” said Phillips.
Club chairman Steve Mitchener said: “I mean the last three or four results have been poor. But there is that opportunity to go forward and we have to plan for that. We don’t want to languish at this level.
Facebook fan group owner Chris Millar added: “There’s a lot of good, young lads out there. Dan Cann staying on as the manager is very important. I think we can continue to bring in good talent, so I’m quite optimistic for the future.”
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