John Embery speaks after he and fellow former joint-boss Jermaine Darlington leave Isthmian South East club Faversham Town

John Embery has spoken after the departure of he and Jermaine Darlington from their managerial roles at Faversham was announced.

Joint-bosses Embery and Darlington came in to replace departed James Collins in June ahead of the 2022/23 season.

They enjoyed an element of FA Trophy success, reaching the Third Qualifying Round before they lost on penalties to Grays Athletic after a goalless draw.

But with Town still second-bottom in Isthmian South East after their 3-1 home defeat to Lancing on Saturday, their departure on Monday night was announced.

Embery, who bemoaned the club’s luck with injuries, said: “I just felt we could have been given more time.

“I think the team was starting to gel. But we had a poor first half on Saturday and the board made a decision.

“I wish them all the best, there’s really good people at the club. I think they should have had a chat with us first but that’s our opinion.

“It’s football. Me and Jermaine were professional footballers and we have been released by clubs. We had a good side there, we just couldn’t get a run going.

“We had lots of injuries and other issues to deal with - there was always something.

“Sometimes, to be good managers, you have to be a lucky managers. But we had no luck with injuries and players being unavailable.

“I felt we could have been given more time but that’s just our opinion.

“As soon as we got injuries, we were trying to plug holes.”

Town’s loss at home to fellow strugglers Lancing was a big blow. The Lilywhites were 3-0 down after 50 minutes and, despite pulling a goal back through defender Danny Rumbol, it was not enough.

Embery said: “We played really well, second half. But the first half wasn’t acceptable.

“I said to the boys the first half was sackable and,