In normal times, preserving Curzon Ashton’s future as a National League North club would have been enough for Mark Bradshaw to keep his job as manager. By rights, they shouldn’t really be in the division and over six years have regularly punched above their weight to retain their status.
However, in an abnormal time of global pandemics, national lockdown and deep economic recession, his 18-month reign at the Tameside Stadium has ended with the sack.
The decision, which was announced in a brief statement last night (Monday) — using the delicate terms “parting ways” and “released” that have become such a part of non-league communiqués — came as a surprise to many, but not to Bradshaw.
“I think it’s been coming,” he said. “The club has financial difficulties and covid-19 has played a part in those.
“We had ongoing talks about the budget for next season, the players I wanted and what would be paid. I wanted to keep the nucleus of my squad and add to it. But I was told the money wasn’t there and I would have to work with a lot less of a budget.
“In the end I agreed to do that, but then last night I was told the club felt they needed a manager who had experience of working with a small wage bill.
“I’m disappointed to be sacked, of course, but that’s football. And in some ways I’m relieved. It’s difficult to manage one of the smallest clubs in the division. That’s something that’s always round your neck. You’re struggling on so many levels.”
Bradshaw was appointed Curzon manager at the end of 2018 when the club dismissed the long-serving John Flanagan. Since then there have been spells of defeats but also victory runs and some notable scalps, including York City who were top of the table when football was last played in early March.
The Nash finished the 2018-19 season 18th in National League North, 14 points clear of the relegation places, and hold the same spot in this year’s suspended table, 11 points ahead of Blyth Spartans in 21st place.
Bradshaw is uncertain what the future may hold. He’s staying at the Tameside Stadium as development officer charged with the task of managing the 3G pitch and making sure maximum use is made of it once lockdown ends. However, he doesn’t know if he’d like another stab at management, saying it’s a role that came to him rather than being one he actively sought.
“I feel no bitterness. The Curzon directors acted in the best interests of the club as they always do. It won’t have been a decision they took lightly,” Bradshaw added.
“My only major disappointment is that it was something off the field that made them to come to this decision.
“If covid-19 hadn’t happened I’m sure I’d have been working to some sort of a budget next season and been able to further develop the team. That was always what I planned to do. I was never going to sign a few players and win the title, it was going to be a building process. But that’s somebody else’s job now.”
It’s understood Curzon already know the man they want to replace Bradshaw and an announcement could be made as early as the weekend