Coney Hall begin search for "experienced" new boss - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Combined Counties League division one side Coney Hall are starting their search for a new manager after Colin Coldspring resigned after just four games into this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Coldspring, who took over from the successful Chris Tucker in February this year, has cited pressures at work and at home has forced him to resign from the Tiepigs Lane club.

“Well, Colin stepped up from assistant manager,” chairman Joe Farrugia said in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“There’s a lot of responsibility that extra step from assistant to manager and I think he was a bit overwhelmed to be honest with the amount of work these managers have to put in.”

Mr Farrugia explained what type of manager he’s looking for, and there should be plenty of applicants with many former Kent League managers currently out of football.

“We’re looking for someone with a bit of experience whose managed at this level before,” he said.

“We want to expand the club. We’ve got ladies football starting this year, some ladies from Carshalton have joined us and we’ve put a team together. We’ve got seventeen sides at the club, from mini-soccer right up to the senior first team.”

Mr Farrugia admitted his club have had a set-back of two years with the problems they faced when Thames Water dug up their ground - but playing Ryman League football is still a flickering dream.

“We had quite a large setback with the work Thames Water did, which has really knocked the club back two years,” he said.

“But now they’re off site now and the club can start developing the site.

“Ryman League football? We’ve got a long way to go. We have to be realistic, there’s issues with floodlights and the ground grading we have to meet.”

The club have already installed dug-outs, which can each seat ten people, and there is a stand, which houses 70 standing fans.

“Our biggest aim is to try to get new changing facilities next to the pitch and to develop the existing clubhouse.”

But managers must be warned. You will be working WITHOUT a budget but the team are currently in second place in the table, with seven points from their first four league outings.

“The aims are to strengthen the side,” added the chairman. “With Chris Tucker going whoever fills his boots have quiet a job to do.”

John Wheelhouse Snr, takes charge of Saturday's home game against Feltham.

Contact vice-chairman Kevin Imber to register your interest on 07769910581 mentioning you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk

Coney Hall  v  Feltham
Combined Counties League Division One
Saturday 26th August 2006
at Tiepigs Lane