Kettering Town Football Club has confirmed the departure of First Team Manager Richard Lavery by mutual consent, drawing to a close a memorable tenure defined by passion, resilience, and resurgence.
Lavery, who took the reins at Latimer Park in February 2024, leaves with his reputation enhanced and the Poppies’ trajectory dramatically altered. A former stalwart of the non-league game with spells at Hinckley United, Nuneaton Borough, Corby Town, Barwell, Telford United, and Coventry Sphinx, Lavery arrived at a precarious moment in the club’s history and within weeks of his appointment, he orchestrated a remarkable five-match winning streak that not only avoided relegation but also rekindled belief among a fanbase starved of recent success. That momentum carried into the current campaign, where the club enjoyed a stirring run in the FA Cup and finished second in the Southern Premier Central League, eventually reaching the Play-Off Final — a testament to the ambition and tactical clarity Lavery brought to the dugout. Richard oversaw 62 games and achieved an overall win rate of 52%.
Club owner George Akhtar paid tribute to Lavery’s contribution, stating:
“I want to genuinely thank Lav’s for everything that he, and his hard-working management team, have done for KTFC. The long hours, professional dedication and inspiration have been the hallmark of his tenure, and Richard will be remembered with great affection as the man who put the club back on the map. All at the Poppies wish him the best of luck for the future.”
The departure, while amicable, marks a significant moment in the club’s ongoing evolution.
Kettering Town has confirmed that the process of recruiting a new First Team Manager is already underway, with further announcements to follow in due course.
For now, the club wishes Richard all the best for the future and reflects with gratitude on a chapter that leaves a long-lasting legacy.
