Ian Draycott takes charge at Southern Counties East Premier Division side Hollands & Blair after manager’s resignation

Hollands & Blair Football Club have announced their new manager after the man who led them to the verge of the play-offs stepped down.

Darren Blackburn has chosen to quit his role as manager of the Southern Counties East Premier Division side due to work commitments and a replacement has been appointed from within.

The club have announced that Ian Draycott - who was a player last season - will step in as first-team manager and start preparing for the 2026/27 season immediately.

It’s a change that had been on the cards since the end of the season, after Blackburn admitted he was considering his position due to commitments outside of football. Last season he had overseen a brilliant turnaround in form.

Blackburn’s side had a rocky spell before Christmas but bounced back with a six-game winning streak, finishing the season with just two defeats in their final 13 matches.

The team finished just six points off the play-off places.

Blackburn had taken charge the previous season with the club sitting second from bottom.

A statement from the club said: “Our first team manager, Darren Blackburn has decided to step down from his position due to work commitments and this is with immediate effect.

“Darren has navigated his way through the last couple of seasons, building a squad and seeing us through to a 7th place finish this recent campaign, narrowly missing out on the play-offs after what can only be described as a tough start.

“This was Darren's second spell in charge and he's done us and himself proud and on behalf of the committee and the supporters, we thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment to Hollands & Blair Football Club.

“We wish Darren and his family all the very best for the future and we look forward to seeing him