THOUGH the mathematical formaility of relegation is yet to be confirmed for Aveley FC, the club has announced that manager Danny Scopes will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Saturday's (22 March) 1-1 draw at Hemel Hempstead Town delayed the official confirmation of the end of Millers' time in the Vanaram National South, but the bell has now tolled for Scopes' tenure at Parkside.

Scopes joined The Millers in October 2021 in the wake of a run of managerial successes that included guiding Concord Rangers to the FA Trophy final in May that year, where the Beachboys lost 1-0 to a side that went on to win promotion to the Football League,

Scopes had assisted Danny Cowley and his brother Nicky in Concord Rangers' rise from the Essex Senior League to the National South before coming first team manager at Rangers in 2019.

In his first season with Aveley Scopes guided the club to the the Isthmian North title.

And he carried that momentum into the following year. Largely regarded as relegation favourites, Aveley won promotion to the National League South via a play-off final 1-0 win away at Hornchurch. In addition Millers won the Isthmian Velocity Cup, defeating Potters Bar 3-0 in the final.

Millers' first season at Step Three proved remarkable as they made the play-offs, before being defeated by Maidstone United.

This season has been a huge contrast, with Millers rarely breaking away from the relegation zone and they are currently bottom, with only a mathematical chance of escaping the drop.

And this weekend Scopes' decision to step down has been announced. he says: "It is a tough decision to walk away from this wonderful football club, that has been mine and my family's life for three and a half seasons.

"I would like to say a big thank you to Graham (Jennings) and Craig (Johnson) for their trust in me to manage this great football club, hopefully I have shown my loyalty over my time as manager.

"Their years of relentless hard work before I arrived and their support and backing from day one of my tenure, helped give me the confidence and drive to push this club to the success we have had.

"Two guys and their families, that I will always call my friends.

"To achieve success in football, you have to have lots of good people, who all want to work hard and drive a club forward as a collective.

"Aveley Football Club is full of good hard working people that have drove this club forward over the years.

"Staff, committee, volunteers, sponsors, who I will always be thankful for their support and efforts to help me.

"Thank you to all the players that have played under me in this period, your commitment and dedication has helped us grow as a football club.

Last, but not least, thank you to the supporters of the football club, your passion, commitment, loyalty and dedication are values that I live by.

"It has been a pleasure to manage your team and hopefully provide you with individuals that play with pride for the shirt and club you support. Plus some wonderful moments and memories that will stay with us forever."

CEO Mr Johnson said "Danny has given our club nothing less than his total commitment from the minute he walked through the door. The club has had three and a half years of fantastic memories that we will keep for a lifetime, and those who have experienced it will be forever greatful for it.

"From the Isthmian North to National South, followed by the play-offs, something that we could only ever have dreamt about, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Torquay and Yeovil.

"Loyalty in football is two way and something I am proud to say was abundant from both sides in Danny's time at the club.

"Danny will be taking the team for the remainder of the season while we search for his replcement, and will be as committed as ever in trying to win each and every game we have remaining.

"I personally would like to thank him, not only for what he has done for Aveley Football Club, but his personal friendship. Danny, Zoe and his family will always be welcome as part of the Aveleyfamily.

Aveley Football Club can confirm that applications to become our new First Team Manager are open. Applications must be sent to Lewis Pack, Club Secretary, here."