Diss Town Reserves joint manager Jamie Scales explains why he has stepped down

Jamie Scales has revealed that different opinions were the main reason in him stepping down as manager of Diss Town Reserves.

Scales – along with joint boss Ben Wilby, who has also left – took charge of the resurrected second string at Brewers Green Lane last summer.

However, following the departure of chairman Dickie Upson, Scales felt the club’s viewpoint towards operating a reserve side changed.

“I pushed for the reserves to come back with Dickie,” said Scales.

“Dickie was keen and he said that losing the reserves in the first place was one of his biggest regrets.

“But he left for understandable reasons and after that it felt that the perception towards the reserves changed.

“I understand the reasoning – like the number of volunteers and finances – they are valid, but Dis should have a reserve team.

“Losing Jon (Abbott, first-team manager) was also a blow because he shared the idea of bringing in players from the local area and promoting youth.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic called a halt to the football season, Diss looked to be on course to win the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League title.

Scales’ team held a one-point lead at the summit and while those in the chasing pack had games in hand, Diss were the form side.

They were on an eight-game winning run prior to the suspension, and Scales is confident his men would have gone all the way.

“We had a fantastic season,” said Scales, who earlier this year racked up his 500th game in management.

“We kept on winning games and I think we would have gone on to win the league overall.

“The Under-18s also did fantastically well. I think they would have finished third, which would have been their highest position for 15 years.

“A lot of those lads all played in the reserves and their was a good pathway through.

“I’d like to think we have left it in a good place for the next manager and I hope they do well.”