Manager Harrop sacked by Braintree

Angelo Harrop was joint manager at AFC Sudbury before joining Braintree

Braintree Town have sacked manager Angelo Harrop with the team currently 20th in National League.

Harrop was appointed in May 2022 and guided the Iron to promotion in May with a 4-3 win over Worthing in the National League South play-off final.

They have won only five of their 20 games this season, losing 3-1 at home to Maidenhead United on Tuesday evening, and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round following a penalty shoot-out against Brackley Town.

"We have been talking with Angelo since the start of the season, and the Board have decided it is time for a change to safeguard the club's future," said chairman Lee Harding.

"We would like to thank Angelo for his efforts over the past two and a half years at the club. We have achieved much together on and off the field."

Harrop has been replaced by Justin Moseley, who is stepping up as interim boss from his role as first-team coach.

Following the defeat by Maidenhead, managed by ex-Braintree boss Alan Devonshire, Harrop apologised to supporters for the team's performance.

And speaking following the club's announcement of his departure, he told BBC Essex: "Hopefully I've left the club in a much better place than when I first came in.

"The club want to go in a different direction, which is understandable. I have no negativity towards the club, or the chairman, or the board. I actually believe it's the right decision.

"I believe I've probably taken the club as far as I can take it, which is a real shame, but that is my honest assessment of it. It's time for me to refresh now and go again."

Braintree's next game is at home to Gateshead on Saturday.

Analysis - 'Harrop worked miracles on a tight budget'

by Victoria Polley, BBC Essex sports editor

Braintree Town have form for plucking young, up-and-coming managers, and Angelo Harrop was no exception, winning promotion and the BBC Essex Senior Cup in two and a bit seasons and working miracles on Braintree’s famously tight budget.

With no signs of an influx of money, particularly after a first-round FA Cup exit, they’ll have to pull a similar rabbit out of the hat if they’re to ensure National League survival this season.