Excitement, joy and a little sadness for new Deeping Rangers bosses, plus details on how to apply for Blackstones FC manager’s job

The pair of ex-Peterborough United players beat off tough opposition to move into the hotseat at the Hayden Whitham Stadium.

But leaving Stamford-based Division One side Blackstones was a wrench as the club had given Clarke and French their first crack at management.

French said: “Both Lee and I are excited and ready for the challenge of managing Deeping Rangers. It’s an opportunity that we feel has come at the right time for us both at a football and personal level.

“We recognise the great work that has already been done here and our aim is to continue that whilst adding our stamp along the way.”

Clarke told the Stamford Mercury: “We haven’t got a bad word to say about Blackstones. There are some great people there.

“It’s full of honest people who all volunteer and do so much for the club.

“We’ve got a lot of respect for them. We had a great relationship with the chairman and vice-chairman who are good people.

“It’s testament to the club that they’ve wished us well. There is no ill will and it’s been totally amicable.

“I’d like to think that they’re not happy that we’ve left, but there’s also part of them which is pleased that maybe they saw something in us to begin with and now that has been recognised by other people.

“I’d like to think that we have left the club in a good place because we really mean it when we say that we felt at home there.”

Anyone who fancies managing Blackstones should forward an application/CV to Gary Peace ([email protected]). Closing date for applications is April 30.

Clarke and French, who started at Blackstones in 2017, replace Michael Goode at Deeping. He stepped down after five years at the club.