Bexhill support convinces manager to stay

The Polegrove manager intended to throw in the towel on Tuesday in light of his side's embarrassing 9-0 defeat at table-topping Selsey on Saturday which kept them rooted to the foot of the table.

But chairman Dave Harris, the committee and the players convinced Trivett, who guided the club to promotion from Division Three last season, to remain in charge.

"It's been a very, very difficult week," Trivett said, "and I offered my resignation to the players as well as Dave Harris. I only ever want to do what's best for the club and I just felt that maybe somebody coming in with fresh ideas was what was needed.

"But they didn't want me to resign and they couldn't have been more supportive. I had a meeting with a few of the players at training on Tuesday night and after listening to them I didn't feel it was the right thing to do.

"It's a difficult task because it's a good division, but we still believe that with a little bit of strengthening, we can still pull ourselves out of this or at least give it a damn good go. My enthusiasm certainly hasn't gone and most of the team have got the fighting spirit and they want to put this right."

There would be no better time to start putting it right than by beating second-bottom Sidlesham on home territory on Saturday November 12, kick-off 2pm. Chris Freeman (hamstring) is expected to be out for about three weeks, but Chris Storrs (Shearer-esque cut lip), Adam Quinn and Sam Thompson (wrist) are expected to be fit leaving Trivett in positive mood.

"It's a game we can't afford to lose," Trivett continued. "We've got to put some pride back into the team and some points on the board. It's probably the biggest game since we beat Uckfield to gain promotion and I think Sidlesham are in for a bit of a shock. If nothing else these lads are going to give it 120 per cent and I think these lads will turn it around."

Harris, who accepted the resignation of former joint manager Jason Robson in September, added: "The whole committee and myself are supporting Bill 100 per cent. Bill's done a good job and I'm sure we will come through this little patch."

They will probably have to come through it without Dave Carey, though, because last season's top-scorer looks like returning to neighbours Sidley United, who were intending to dispatch a seven-day approach this week.

The Blues travel to Division Two high-flyers Oakwood tomorrow in what manager Liam Barham described as a "possible banana skin" of a John O'Hara League Challenge Cup second round tie.

Chris Steward, Paul Henty and Owen Ball should all be available, while Nick Whiteman is not cup-tied.

Little Common will have to cope with a further injury setback when Pease Pottage Village visit tomorrow because Mark Freeman (dislocated knee) and Keir Ansty (broken leg) will be out for some time.