In a candid reflection, former Chelmsford City manager Angelo Harrop has expressed regret over his push to transition the National League South club to a full-time professional model. Harrop, who was dismissed in early April with six games left in the season, acknowledged that the ambitious move was premature.

"In hindsight, for me, it was the wrong decision," Harrop admitted. "When we did go full-time, we weren't ready for it." The 37-year-old manager, who had signed a two-year deal aiming for promotion and even envisioned the Clarets as a potential Football League side within five years, initially believed the shift would elevate the club's profile and attendance.

However, the reality proved far more complex. Harrop detailed the behind-the-scenes upheaval, including changing training grounds three times, switching gyms, and integrating 18 new players. "There's a lot more to going full-time than just training all week," he noted, highlighting the immense logistical and cultural challenges that come with such a fundamental change in a semi-professional environment.

Despite his dismissal, Harrop maintains "total respect" for owner Spencer Gore. He argued that their project was always a long-term build, requiring patience—a commodity often scarce in football management. "It makes you realise that in football management you're only as good as your last few games," Harrop reflected, accepting the outcome while remaining disappointed.

From the club's perspective, Chairman Spencer Gore explained the dismissal was a data-driven decision, feeling the team had begun "relying on luck." He emphasized the learning curve of going full-time, stating, "We're going to make mistakes... so the sooner we do it, the sooner we make those mistakes." Gore acknowledged the personal difficulty, noting that if it were an emotional choice, the "lovely guy" Harrop would still be in charge.

The Clarets now sit 11th in the National League South, four points off the play-offs with four games remaining. Harrop's experience serves as a stark reminder of the high-stakes gamble and intense pressure involved in transforming a club's identity, where visionary ambition must be carefully balanced with operational readiness.