Bognor Won't Be Blown Away After Summer Storm

Two weeks ago, the Rocks were delighted to confirm the appointment of Sami El-Abd. Bognor took nearly two month to decide their future direction, and Pearce promised to back his new manager.

But things took a turn on Monday when it was confirmed that the defender would not to taking over at the Vanarama National League South newcomers after all.

Pearce has today spoken more about the goings on, and announce he will take the team alongside experienced coaches Darin Killpartrick and Gary Charman.

Minimising disruption is the main aim and experienced Pearce believes keeping the role in-house will do just that.

He told us: “It’s been challenging but I have nothing but respect for Sami. He’s been honest with us and it’s better this decision was made now than further down the line.

“He felt it would be just too much with his full-time role at Brighton, playing for the club which he has been magnificent at, and managing the team.

“We took the decision that with the season starting in early August we couldn’t go through a long process so we’re sticking with the people known to the club and we’ll form a managerial team.

“Of course I have done the job before so we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Pearce added: “It’s been a challenging summer, that’s for sure. We lost a popular manager in Jamie Howell and this is another thing to contend with but everybody should know that we don’t think what has happened needs to disrupt things.

“There was great team spirit in the dressing room to win promotion last season and I fully believe that will still be there come the start of the new season.”