Burnham part ways with management team Murray and Luchowa

Burnham manager Ben Murray. Photo: Glenn Alcock

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Burnham have parted ways with their management team Ben Murray and Kavi Luchowa by mutual agreement, adding that they’re not aligned on the club’s vision and expectations.

Murray and Luchowa have taken charge of the Blues for the past three seasons - and came within a whisker of guiding the club to the play-offs in the Combined Counties Premier Division North last season.

This season, the Blues form has been a little up and down - with the side currently ninth in the standings - but they remain only a couple of points outside of the top five and have matches in hand on several of the teams above them.

The club confirmed their departures this afternoon (Monday). It read: “After working together across the past three seasons Burnham Football Club would like to confirm the departure of first team manager Ben Murray and his assistant Kavi Luchowa, by mutual agreement.

“Following recent discussions around visions and expectations for the future it became apparent that the Club and management team were not aligned, and it was agreed to part ways.

“The Club would like to thank Ben and Kavi for their body of work since joining the Blues in January 2022 and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

Murray posted on X: "Been a great three years. Brought stability and success and for that I am proud of every player that helped along the way.

"Progressed two players to pro clubs, numerous to the levels above and a work ethic to a way of playing that was remarkable to watch. Time for a new challenge."

The club have not yet said what the process or timeframe will be for replacing the pair – or who will take on the team in the interim.

Murray's last match in charge saw them display the same attacking flair and spirit that has characterised his time at the 1878 Stadium.

They took the lead through this season's top scorer, Jabir Laraba in the 54th minute before being pegged back with just under 20 minutes to play by Joel Valentin (72'). However, Romero Smart-Tull (90+2') popped up with a late winner to ensure Murray and Luchowa leave off the back of a positive result.

Consistency has been problematic for the side this season, with the Blues winning five and losing four of their matches. However, those wins have included notable away wins over Hilltop (4-0) and Edgware & Kingsbury (5-2).

Last season, they seemed certainties to take one of the division's top five spots for a place in the end of season play-offs, but they failed to pick up a point from their last four away matches and saw improving Holyport sneak above them into fifth spot.