Hungerford shocked as O’Donohue steps down
HUNGERFORD Town are on the lookout for a new chairman after Alan O’Donohue stepped down on Monday.
The news came as a shock to everyone at the Crusaders, who are entering a crucial Easter programme that could make or break their bid for the Southern League Premier South play-offs.
O’Donohue, who took over from former chairman Patrick Chambers last summer, said: “I am not prepared to make a statement at this time.
“I think perhaps it is best to keep quiet.”
Vice-chairman Cris Bowden said: “We would like to thank Alan for everything he has done for the club.
“Alan has done great things behind the scenes, but he has made the decision to step down and, as a volunteer, has every right to do so.
“I will be stepping up in the meantime, but I have no plans to take the job on full time and we will be searching for a new chairman.
“I love this football club and I will do everything I can to find a replacement.
“We are still in with a chance of the play-offs and we are all going to get behind Danny [Robinson] and the boys.”
Hungerford visit fifth-placed Merthyr Town on Bank Holiday Monday in what could be their most important game of the season.
Before then, Hungerford face another of their play-off rivals, Bracknell Town, at Bulpit Lane tomorrow (Friday, 3pm).
After a season of ups and downs, it all comes down to the final month as Hungerford look to reclaim their place in National League South.
Manager Robinson, whose side thrashed Harrow Borough 6-1 away on Saturday, said: “Lack of consistency has plagued us all season.
“But if we get to the final game of the season against Basingstoke still with something to play for then I’d take that all day long.”
It was Borough who took the lead through Reece Deakin in the 20th minute, but after that Hungerford took control.
Elis Watts helped himself to a hat-trick, while Joe Shepherd and Luke Softley also scored before Elliot Dugan struck deep in stoppage time.
Robinson said: “Until the first goal I thought they were better than us.
“But from then until the end of the game we were excellent and back to our ruthless best.
“Elis has been a revelation this season. “He has always had the ability and now he has the work ethic to go with it.
“It was good to see Owain Wheeler from the Academy set up two goals and Luke Softley scored his first goal for us.”