Former Sunderland striker leaves managers role 

Aberbargoed Buds and first-team manager Sean Wharton have agreed to part ways.

The 54-year-old is leaving the Recreation Ground with immediate effect after an agreement between himself and the club on Friday.

He had taken charge of the Buds in June having succeeded Matthew Driscoll but is leaving his post after just four months at the helm.

In a statement published by the club on Friday afternoon, it read: “Aberbargoed Buds FC wishes to announce that following consultation with first Team Manager Sean Wharton, it has been mutually agreed that Sean will step down from his position and will leave the Club today.

“Sean wishes to thank the players for their hard work and is confident that the disappointing results will be reversed.

“The club, in turn, recognises the efforts of Sean, thank him for the same, and wishes him success in his future involvement in football.”

Aberbargoed’s club secretary Graham Evans confirmed to the Caerphilly Observer that an immediate replacement had not been found. He admitted that results weren’t what the club had hoped for and that now was the right time for the two to part company. 

Under Wharton’s watch, Aberbargoed won just two of the seven matches he oversaw and lost the remaining five.

His last act as Aberbargoed manager was overseeing a 5-3 defeat to Chepstow Town in the Ardal South League Cup.

Aberbargoed are currently eighth in the Ardal South East in their first season back in the third tier. The Caerphilly-based club won the Gwent Premier Division last season but their title-winning manager Matt Driscoll departed to take up a post at English non-league club Cinderford Town. 

Aberbargoed face Blaenavon Blues in the Ardal South East on Saturday, September 9, in their first game without Wharton. 

(Featured Image: John Smith/Same Old Smith Photography/FAW)