Northwood win after Anderson's exit as manager

NORTHWOOD FC'S new manager Mark Barnham guided the club to a 2-1 victory in his first match in charge last night after the shock departure of David Anderson earlier this week.

Second-half goals from Aaron Cato (pictured) and Leon Osei helped Northwood come from behind at Chestnut Avenue in the wake of the off the field turmoil that led to Anderson's resignation after 15 months as manager.

His decision to leave came as no surprise to Northwood officials as the club's playing budget had been drastically cut recently – and Anderson had agreed to stay in the short-term to ensure that the squad remained intact.

But to Northwood fans, Anderson's resignation is a surprise after a successful record at the club that included 35 victories, 16 draws and 15 defeats in all competitions during his reign.

After finishing just a point off the Ryman Division One South play-off zone in 2008/09, Northwood are still in play-off contention this season and reached the FA Trophy first round proper for the first time ever.

Club chairman Ian Barry admitted that Anderson's departure was not for footballing reasons.

“The last couple of months of bad weather and cancelled games has led to a severe cash problem, and with the level of debt that the club has had to manage over the past few years, a decision had to be made to reduce our expenditure,” he said.

“I have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with him and I have the utmost respect for what he has achieved here in a relatively short space of time.”

Former AFC Wimbledon boss Anderson hailed Barry as the best chairman he had ever worked with during 25 years in the game, but he admitted his frustrations with the way things had gone at the club.

“I am disappointed that I have to leave without finishing the season,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time here, but the club needed to cut back big time. I knew I would have to leave after that, I agreed to stay to implement the changes and to keep the players at the club.

“I enjoyed a great working relationship with the chairman, but I feel he has been let down by other people at the club. We have 24 teams in the youth section and they should contribute more to the football club.”