Danny Thompson left with ‘no choice’ as he resigns as Infinity manager after FA null and void his club’s unbeaten league season
Danny Thompson feels he has been left ‘no choice’ but to resign as Infinity boss following the FA’s controversial decision to null and void steps 3-7 of the non-league game.
The former Gosport Borough player had led the Knowle Village-based club to the top of the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division.
They had yet to lose in 24 league games – winning 20 of them – and were on course to become the first HPL top flight club to ever complete an unbeaten campaign without losing.
Thompson - who took over as Infinity boss last summer after leaving HPL rivals Fleetlands - has today stepped down as manager.
That is no surprise, as he had told The News on April 2: ‘To be honest with you, I probably think that’s me done. I know it’s still a bit raw at the minute, but I don’t know if I can stomach to do it again in that Hampshire League.’
Today he said in a statement: ‘This has not been an easy decision to make, but after yesterday’s announcement by the FA that our season is to be void and expunged, I feel it has left myself and Ollie (Bennett, assistant manager) no choice.
‘I want to say a massive well done to every single player that played a part this season, to go 24 games unbeaten at any level of football is a great achievement and that’s credit to you.
‘I hope the club can find the drive and passion to go again next season and hopefully reach the next step like you deserve.’
Infinity chairman Jody Hoare said: ‘We would like to say a massive thank you to Danny and Ollie for their professionalism, hard work and passion and wish them every success at their next appointment.’
The Wessex League is obviously the next step up from the Hampshire League, and at present both Premier Division pair Alresford and Hamble Club are seeking new managers.