The Club can confirm that 1st Team Manager, Mark Beard has left his role at The Magpies with immediate effect.

​'Beardy' undertook his role alongside his coaching positions at Brighton & Hove Albion and the Love The Ball Academy and it is a change to his responsibilities at the former that has led to him stepping down as he will no longer be able to commit to the appropriate time required, particularly on matchdays.

​Beardy joined the Club when his LTB Academy side became part of the Loxwood FC family at the start of the 2014/15 season and after that first season, where the Sussex County U18 Cup and Southern Youth Football League titles were secured, He also took on the role of First Team Manager. ​A UEFA A License coach, he has successful transitioned a number of young players into senior football and adopted a style of play that is revered across the county and has brought with it many memorable moments during his tenure for the Loxwood faithful to treasure. 

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Statement from Barry Hunter, Chairman

"Beardy has been offered an opportunity with Brighton and Hove Albion that he couldn't turn down. We have been extremely proud of having someone of Beardy's quality and pedigree be a part of our club for such a lengthy period. Not only has he led our Senior 1st Team but under his management Loxwood won the Sussex Youth Cup and Southern Youth Football League

"I speak for the whole club when I say how much we are going to miss him and how much we wish him every success in his extended role at Brighton & Hove Albion.

"Our Director of Football, Dave Cocoracchio, will take on first team management duties for the rest of the season, at which point Dave and I will consider future plans."

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Statement from Mark Beard

"This is a decision I haven't taken lightly but one that makes most sense for my work and career. I have had 4 great years at Loxwood, it's a great club that does things the right way. The addition of a whole junior section this season makes clear their intent to be a great Community Club.

​"I will certainly keep close links with the Club and I do wish them continued success. I have loved every minute of my time at Loxwood. I would like to thank my staff for all their hard work and all the players for their efforts over the past few seasons, it's been a pleasure working with them"

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Statement from Dave Cocoracchio, Director of Football

"I, and all of the committee at Loxwood FC, are gutted that Mark Beard has had to resign from his position as 1st Team Manager. Since he arrived at the club I have worked very closely with Beardy on a weekly basis and during this time he has not just become a very loyal, dedicated and talented manager, but he has also become a very good friend. For me he is the best coach in the county and I feel very honoured and privileged to have worked with him for the past 3 years. 

"I would personally like to thank Beardy for everything he has done for Loxwood FC and wish him every success in his new and exciting role at Brighton & Hove Albion FC. 

"The Chairman has today appointed me as Caretaker Manager for the remaining 9 games of the reason and I am pleased to announce that both Chris Stygal as 1st Team Assistant Manager and Matt Camp as 1st Team Coach will remain in their roles until the end of the season.   

"Although we are disappointed by Beardy's departure, and take pride in what he has added to Loxwood FC during his tenure, our aims and objectives still remain exactly the same and we now need to maximise the opportunity to build upon his hard work. This all starts on Saturday with the visit of Eastbourne Town to Plaistow Road."