ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
London Maccabi Lions A have started the search for a new manager after relieving Malcolm Newman and Josh Newman of their duties.
The father-and-son team were contacted by club chairman David Pollock on Sunday and asked to stand down following defeats in their last three league games and reports of disharmony in the ranks.
Under the Newmans, Lions had finished runners-up in the league last season - one point behind treble winners Hendon, but they currently lie second from bottom in the Premier Division.
Lions Director of Football Andy Landesburg will act as interim manager until a replacement is appointed.
Landesburg said: "Things weren’t going as planned and there was a lot of frustration within the camp, with some players walking away. Now it’s my job to get players smiling again, feel good about themselves and playing for the badge. We need to get the A-team back to where it belongs.
"Obviously, it's not all about winning, but we need to make it right. Overall the club is absolutely thriving.
We have 26 youth teams, two excellent Saturday teams and last season the B-team were promoted. They are a great team of mates who personify what Sunday football is all about."
Speaking about the decision, Josh Newman said: "It is with big regret that we were not given the opportunity to finish off something we had started.
"The only reason appeared to be the exclusion of Maccabiah-bound Max Kyte from the squad, as the board confirmed they had been looking to get rid of us for a year now, since his departure from the team. I’m sure this will be rectified by whoever takes over.
"In light of this, it is extremely disappointing and mystifying as to why we were then asked to continue in charge this season and when posed this same question, they were unable to give any explanation.
"We would like to thank all of the players that have been involved with us, not only this year but also throughout last year for all the effort and commitment they have shown."
Landesburg recently enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Lions’ under-18 team. Looking to the future, he said: "We have a shortlist but we won’t rush the decision. It will probably be an external appointment, but we've got some work to do. I'd like to thank Malcolm and Josh for everything they've done.
"I'll stand in for the next few weeks. I’m good at motivating and organising people, but I’m not the messiah.
"It's a balancing act between enjoying it and winning, so in the short-term I need to lift all the players and remind them what a phenomenal club we’ve got here."
Lions travel to Brixton Old Boys in the second round of the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup on Sunday.