In a National League season full of twists and turns, we have perhaps seen the biggest yet, as newly promoted side Braintree Town have announced their decision to part ways with manager Angelo Harrop.

There have been some crazy decisions in the National League this season, but this is right up there with the craziest

Gets Braintree an unexpected promotion, in a very competitive NLS

Has Braintree being competitive in just about every game this season

Not sure on this one 😬 https://t.co/HMHHFM9fsQ

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) November 27, 2024

A 36 year old with a growing reputation as a manager, Harrop led the Iron to an unlikely promotion last season, winning the playoffs, toppling promotion favourites Chelmsford along the way. This term his work has been equally as impressive, as, at the time of the dismissal, Braintree sit outside the relegation zone in 20th place. With most tipping Braintree to return straight back to the National League South, keeping their head above water must be viewed as a major success.

Their defensive solidity has been the foundation of that success, and of the other sides in the bottom half only Southend have conceded fewer. Harrop has made his side extremely competitive and hard to break down, which sees them staying in most games they compete in.

Losses to fellow relegation strugglers Maidenhead and Boston have proven to be the final nail in the coffin for Harrop, but backers of the young manager will argue that he has kept his side competitive in almost every single game this season.

When you consider the facilities, the rumoured budget, and the sheer fact that they are one of the very few part time teams left at the level, then their league position appears to be more than reasonable. The same cannot be said about the decision to relieve Harrop of his duties.

STATEMENT:

The club can confirm, following a meeting with the board, the departure of First Team Manager Angelo Harrop.

Angelo took us to two playoff's in two years and managed to win promotion on the second try, whilst also winning the Essex Senior Cup too in his first season!… pic.twitter.com/b9h2yzgULS

— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) November 27, 2024

He exceeded expectations last season in getting the club promoted, and this season he has arguably exceeded expectations again by avoiding being far adrift at the bottom. He’s crafted a competitive side, and some have argued that had he failed to deliver promotion last season, but once again had Braintree challenging at the top of the National League South table, then he would still be in a job; in that sense, he has become a victim of his own success.

Rumours have however circled on social media that all was not well behind the scenes, and that Harrop may have in fact lost the dressing room too. These are of course just rumours, but they may serve as somewhat of a stronger explanation for the decision, as, despite back to back losses to sides below them in the league, performances on the pitch surely wouldn’t warrant Harrop’s dismissal.

There had been a large overhaul of the squad in the summer, so it’s understandable that things may have taken time to gel. But, either way, Harrop is now without a club, but despite this, he is still highly regarded in lower league circles.

And where does Harrop go next? He was (and possibly still is) a manager many felt would be a natural successor at League 2 Colchester United, considering the strong work he has done with local sides AFC Sudbury and Braintree Town. But if Harrop is keen to get straight back into management, then he may be forced to look to the division from which he won promotion last season.

Lots of jobs now becoming available. Lots of quality managers also becoming available

St Albans & Braintree both looking for managers in a similar catchment area

Hemel struggling too

Imagine Angelo Harrop & Danny Searle will be high on those lists

Perhaps Lee Allinson too? 🤔

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) November 27, 2024

Relatively local side St Albans City have parted ways with David Noble, so are currently looking for a manager, and following a 7-1 hammering at home to Dorking during the week, Hemel Hempstead Town may also soon be on the lookout for a new boss. Considering Harrop’s age, recent successes, and the general reaction to Braintree’s decision, he shouldn’t be out of work for too long.

The question as to who Braintree appointed next has also been raised, with the front runner currently looking like former Ebbsfleet United boss Danny Searle. The 46 year old kept the Fleet in the National League last season, against the odds, following an impressive stint as assistant manager of Czech side Banik Ostrava, who he coached in Europe.

This season things weren’t going to plan with Ebbsfleet, but his stock has recovered somewhat considering the Fleet haven’t really improved since Searle left the club; in fact, if anything they have progressively worsened. A manager with a track record of keeping clubs in the division, he could prove to be the experienced and shrewd appointment that the Iron need.