10thnov03

Walker returns to management at Chatham
Only days after leaving Dover Athletic, Clive Walker has been installed as manager of Dr Martens League Eastern Division side Chatham Town, succeeding Peter Coupland, report www.kentonline.co.uk

Peter Enright, Chatham's treasurer and press officer said: "In the past we have tended to appoint relatively young managers. We decided to go for someone with greater experience and Clive fits the bill perfectly.

"We had over 20 applicants for the job, the majority of good quality. But Clive was top of the pile."

As a player Walker, 58, was with Leicester, Northampton, Mansfield, Chelmsford, Gravesend and also managed Northampton, Irthlingborough Diamonds (now Rushden and Diamonds) and Maidstone United.

He admits the Chatham job presents a big challenge. He said: "We need to start winning matches and quickly. That's the priority."

Coupland, however, was sent off within 35 seconds on his return for Slade Green.  The substitute was shown a red card during their 1-0 defeat at Hythe Town.