Ex-Walton & Hersham boss Chuck Martini has not ruled out crossing the divide to take over at Ryman Division One South strugglers Walton Casuals, writes Stuart Amos.

 

The Swans manager, sent to the stands during Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Burgess Hill Town, stepped down at Stompond Lane on Monday with his side languishing in 16th place in the table.
 

The move came days after Mick Sullivan was sacked as Stags manager and Martini admitted he would be interested in taking over.
 

“I’m a professional and do not let my heart rule my head,” he said.
 

“I’m a football manager – that is where I feel my career lies – and at the moment I am out of the game.
 

“There are one or two clubs on my doorstep I would be interested in taking on. Casuals is a good, progressive club with all the facilities in place for success.
 

“If Walton Casuals want me and their ambition matches my own then I would consider it.”
 

Martini, who switched to Walton in 2010, quit Stompond Lane after two years in charge, and labels taking them from the foot of the table to the brink of the play-offs in 2011 as his greatest achievement.
 

The Swans had topped the table earlier this term, but a slump in form – featuring one league win from their past 10 games – has seen them slip.
 

He said:  “Our budget is the fifth or sixth worst in the league. We were sat at the top of the table, but the finances have meant we have been unable to keep up with that early pace.
 

“This is not a decision I wanted to make, but I came to the club with the goal of achieving something. 
 

“Realistically that was not going to happen with a budget that is just good enough to keep the team in this division.
 

“I have given it my best shot and leave with my head held high, having achieved good results on limited resources.”
 

Reserve team management duo Paul Martyn-Jones and Adam Bessent have taken charge with immediate effect ahead of Saturday’s visit of Horsham.