Newark and Sherwood United Football Club see leadership change as coach Duncan Robertson leaves to explore new opportunities and the club part ways with manager and former Manchester City and Mansfield player Jon D’Laryea after tough season

Only days after a 2-0 defeat against Ashby Ivanhoe in the United Counties League Premier Division North competition, Newark and Sherwood United have parted ways with their manager.

The Highwaymen announced the news that gaffer Jon D'Laryea would be leaving the club on their social media accounts Tuesday evening (January 30).

Newark and Sherwood United coach, Duncan Robertson who previously coached at Newark Town, Spalding United and Grantham Town left of his own accord several days ago to explore new opportunities in football.

"Following a board meeting, the club have decided to part ways with Manager, Jonathan D’Laryea," said a spokesman from Newark and Sherwood United.

"JD came in as a player-coach at the start of last season, taking over the manager’s role in November 2022.

"He led The Highwaymen to the first ever Notts Senior Cup win in the club's history — memories of which we will be forever grateful. "However, this season the results have not reached the level of expectation that we all set out at the beginning of the season.

"We thank JD for all of his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.

"Assistant Manager, Romaine Graham, will take charge as interim Manager until we have found a replacement."

“Football is ultimately a results business and this season the results have not been anywhere near good enough so I understand the decision,” said D’Laryea.

“I do believe that we were about to turn the corner but there was only so long that I could keep asking for patience.

“There are some excellent players at the club and its important that they now show their capability.

“The expectation set by me at the start of the season was to be around the play off positions.

“This was a shared expectation by the board but in reality this was unrealistic if you look at the calibre of the players we lost at the end of last season.

“Having said that, we still underperformed.

“I plan to have some much needed family time but my phone will stay on.

“I have been offered an opportunity to get straight back involved at step five but for now I will just enjoy my Saturday and Tuesday nights at home.”