End of an era at Ilfracombe Town

After a sensational decade at Marlborough Park, Ilfracombe Town manager Clem Bennellick has accepted an offer to become assistant boss at Bideford AFC in the Southern League,

Bennellick oversaw an amazing rise for the Bluebirds and leaves the club in a strong position in the Western League, holding their own against some of the strongest semi-professional teams in the region.

While Ilfracombe will immediately commence their search for a new boss, Bennellick joins a Bideford side desperate to find some consistency, showcased by a 4-1 loss at Mousehole in midweek that followed a weekend win over Evesham.

An Ilfracombe Town statement said: “It’s a sad day for the football club as we announce the departure of manager Clem Bennellick after a decade in charge to take on a fresh challenge as an assistant to Sean Joyce at Bideford AFC.

“Clem has taken this football club from the North Devon League to the Western League in that time, winning trophies and lots of plaudits along the way, as well as keeping the Bluebirds comfortably in the Western League Premier Division. 

“His work ethic and loyalty has been beyond the call of duty and we have been very lucky to have him at this football club.”

Club member Jordan Alcock added: “It’s a sad day for the club to lose Clem, his ten-year tenure at the club will go down as one of the most successful in the club’s history. His presence, personality and drive will be sorely missed at Marlborough Park. We wish him well in his new role and as a club the process now begins in replacing him” 

Ilfracombe Town will be welcoming applicants for the title of first-team manager, if this interests you please email the club at bluebirdscommercial@hotmail.com