Hampton & Richmond Borough FC has announced it will be parting company with manager Gary McCann with immediate effect.

A short statement following the Club's New Year's Day home 0-0 draw against Worthing said: "It has been mutually agreed that Gary McCann will step down from his position as Manager. 

"The Club thanks Gary who has been an integral part of the Club's history. The Club will now start the recruitment process for Gary's replacement."

In a twitter message McCann said: "HRBFC is full of great people and I thank each and every one of you for your continued support. I wish everyone involved in the club the very best of luck. Onwards and upwards. The messages have been overwhelming. Thank you, I will get back to them all.

 "I've always asked the players to be the best version of themselves. They have been in the circumstances. I thank you for your effort. Always attempted to be the best version of myself. Always done the best I could but in the circumstances it just wasn't good enough in 22/23."

The Club is languishing in 19th place in the Vanarama National League South with just 23 points from eleven games and has recently been acquired by brothers Stefano and Rafa Petruzzo, who have big and ambition plans for the Club, both on and off the field.

Gary, a London taxi driver in his day job, joined the Beavers in June 2018, following the departure of Alan Dowson to Woking a month earlier. He was under contract as part of a three year deal until 2024.

As the Club's 20th manager, his spell at the Club saw a number of milestones with more FA Cup First Rounds than any manager in the club's history. 

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Before arriving at the Bev, Gary had been in charge at Hendon for 13 years, initially as a player then moving to the dugout following a short break when injury ended his playing career. 

The shock news came after a big crowd of about 1000 attended The Beveree stadium and joined in the New Year's Day party atmosphere with mulled wine and mince pies for the fans as well the London Street Band at pitch side for pre-match and half-time entertainment and face painting available for the kids. Local school kids showed off their skills at half time.

The London Street Band warmed up the large crowd during the Beavers 2023 opener and local school children had the chance to show their skills at half time.

Local Lib Dem MP, Munira Wilson who attended the match with her daughter, cheered on the home side. She tweeted: "Watched the first HRBFC match of 2023 against Worthing with my daughter yesterday. Frustrating result but great turnout and atmosphere at The Beveree. Amazing face painting too."