Hawks sacking Aaron Martin a ‘stark reminder of how rapidly circumstances can evolve’

With boss Aaron Martin having overseen a close season squad revamp, hopes were high for a ‘defining new chapter’ very much including Southern Premier League South promotion challenge.

That was despite the club reverting back to a part-time model of training on midweek evenings, as opposed to a daytime system implemented by former manager Paul Doswell.

But the reality has proved alarmingly different, with Martin sacked last week with Hawks bottom of the table having picked up just four points in eight games.

Under caretaker Shaun Gale’s leadership, they at least climbed above Malvern on Tuesday on goal difference after a 1-1 Westleigh Park draw with fellow strugglers Hanwell.

With no game now until the October 10 trip to Wimborne, all focus can turn towards the latest managerial appointment.

Writing in the programme for Hanwell’s visit, vice chairman Tim Mellor said: ‘Football rarely stands still, and the recent weeks around Westleigh Park have provided a stark reminder of how rapidly circumstances can evolve.

‘This season was intended to be a defining new chapter.

‘Following the transition back to a part-time model ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, the board set out to rebuild stability, establish clear long-term direction, and reshape the squad with more experience.

‘However, football is ultimately judged by results. A difficult start to the league campaign forced the club to make a tough operational call.

‘The decision to part company with Aaron Martin was not taken lightly.

‘The last 12 games whilst Aaron Martin was manager, over the end of last season and this season, only produced one win and two draws.

The board made the difficult decision to change managers in order to kickstart our season before it was too late.

To ensure continuity we have placed trusted club figure Shaun Gale in temporary charge while a formal search for our next long-term managerial appointment takes place. Change at the helm is never easy, but the focus remains entirely on giving our playing squad the best environment to succeed.

Underpinning our footballing strategy this season had been a concerted overhaul of our recruitment network.

‘Ahead of the campaign, the club expanded its scouting and analytical framework, placing a strong emphasis on tactical reporting, and tracking emerging talent across the non-league pyramid. This approach, we had hoped, would allow us to refresh the squad over the summer with proven non-league experience.

‘Integrating new faces into a squad operating under an adjusted training schedule takes time.

‘The core talent within this group is unquestionable, but to date the results have not reflected our strategy and hopes. The board had no other option than to make the change.’

Departing the club alongside Martin were a handful of backroom staff, including Head of Recruitment Rich Piggford, who had only been appointed to the role in late July.

Injuries and suspensions have not helped Martin or Gale field their strongest XIs in recent times.

But the latter was able to welcome Leon Maloney back from suspension in midweek, while Alfy Whittingham’s three-game ban has now elapsed.

Paul McCallum – a close season marquee signing – also returned after recovering from injury.

But Harvey Laidlaw is now sidelined with ligament damage suffered in last weekend’s FA Trophy home loss to Taunton.

In addition, Christian Meghoma and Harry Kavanagh need scans on their injuries and Richard Brindley – a veteran of more than 350 EFL and National League appearances - is ‘a few weeks’ away from rejoining training, let alone being in contention to play.

‘We’ve got to keep going,’ said Gale. ‘We’ve got two choices when things are like this – you either throw in the towel or you keep going.

‘I’ve just said to the players, you’ve got to keep going, got to keep working hard.’

He added: ‘Fans turn up to see teams win football matches. That’s what they want, and it hasn’t happened.

‘I didn’t hear too many people moaning and groaning tonight. And as I always say to the lads, fans will stick with you if you have a right go. That should be a given, because they’re fit lads.

‘I thought tonight we had a better go, which is an improvement. I shouldn’t be saying that really because that should be the given, but we were better.’