It was certainly an unexpected bombshell on Monday when Frank Murphy and his management staff were relieved of their duties at Carshalton.

A board meeting the previous day decided it was vital the club should move into the promotion race and to achieve that a change of direction was needed.

Murphy, who became manager in August with an anticipated two year plan to win promotion, probably suffered his fate as a result of some below par performances.

However, despite their mid-table position, Carshalton had the best defensive record in the Ryman League First Division and they had created enough chances to be the top of the table.

It was the continuous failure to convert chances into goals that must have contributed to the manager's downfall.

He was further hindered by a horrendous injury list which prevented the same team being available for more than a couple of matches at a time.

Murphy was a popular manager with supporters and was always prepared to listen and discuss the team's performances.

There was an air of disbelief around the club on Monday evening when the decision was known. He becomes the ninth manager in six years to depart from the club.

However, the atmosphere did greatly improve on Tuesday when it was announced that former Spurs player Graham Roberts was to be the new manager.

After a successful playing career, Roberts has had a good track record as a manager and last season, after it was rumoured he was moving to Carshalton, he went to Boreham Wood and secured promotion to the Premier Division for that team.

He took his first training session with Carshalton's players on Tuesday and has indicated that all of them have an equal chance to stake their place in the team.

Bolstered

The squad will be bolstered by the return of Dean Thomas from his loan period at Bromley.

Keith Ward, who played pre-season for Carshalton but suffered a long term injury, has recovered and signed for the club.

Two players who have left the club are Bontcho Guentchev released last week by Frank Murphy and Lee Akers, who has moved to Bromley in search of coaching experience.

This weekend the long trip to Oxford gives Graham Roberts his first opportunity to see the team in action.

He is also attempting to arrange a match against a Spurs XI for this coming Wednesday. Fans should phone the club for confirmation of this fixture.

The Boxing Day fixture against Walton & Hersham has a new kick-off time 1pm and not noon as advertised last week.

December 14, 2001 15:30