Erith Town unveil O'Boyle as their new manager

STEVE O’BOYLE has quit his very short coaching career with Holmesdale to become Erith Town’s new manager, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Dockers were “shocked and saddened” by Mark Tompkins’ decision to quit the club yesterday - just three days before the start of the Bulmers Cider Kent League.

Erith Town kick-off their campaign against Greenwich Borough next Monday - the first game of their two-year groundsharing deal with Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town.

Tompkins, 41, a much-travelled striker, was the club’s most successful manager, having guided the club to their highest ever finish in the club’s 13-year stint in the Kent League - fifth - and winning their first ever piece of silverware, the Kent League Cup.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk brought the news of Tompkins’ departure last night, and today Erith Town have issued the following statement.

“Mark Tompkins made an early morning call yesterday to Erith Town general manager Ian Birrell announcing that he would be leaving the club, citing along with personal reasons that he was in recent weeks not enjoying the role,” said the statement on www.erithtownfc.co.uk.

“Under Mark’s guidance last season the Dockers enjoyed their best ever run in their 13 years history as a senior club, finishing 5^th in the Kent League Premier Division, their highest ever position and also lifting their first piece of silverware by beating Hythe Town in the Kent League Premier Division Cup Final in May.

“Add to that a number of internal club records also being beaten and improved upon Mark was certainly the most successful manager of the club to date and will be a hard act to follow.

“Upon receipt of this news Erith Town, although obviously shocked and saddened by Mark’s decision, accepted his resignation and wholeheartedly thank him for all he has done and achieved at the club during his one and a half seasons at the helm.

“The club also wish him and his family all the best for the future and every success to Mark when and if he resumes his playing and or managerial career within football.”

General manager Ian Birrell and chairman Albert Putman have spent hours on the telephone seeking a new manager with the big kick-off on the horizon.

And the statement said: “Erith Town have acted swiftly following Mark’s departure and are pleased to announce that with immediate effect the new manager at the club will be Steve O’Boyle.

“Steve is a young and promising manager who enjoyed much success and won many trophies whilst manager of Erith’s landlords Thamesmead Town reserves.

“Steve has quit in his role at Holmesdale and will be introduced to players at training tonight.”

O’Boyle, 31, only joined Bromley-based Kent League outfit Holmesdale at the end of May, after three successive title winning seasons at Bayliss Avenue.

The Welling based, Smithfield salesman, jumped at the chance to join Tony Beckingham’s coaching staff at Oakley Road.

“I think I out grew the job at reserve team level,” admitted O’Boyle, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk following his switch from the Mead.

“I’ve had three good years at Thamesmead,”, who, apart from a year and a half at Slade Green, has been at Bayliss Avenue since the age of 12.

Visit Erith Town's website:  www.erithtownfc.co.uk

Visit Holmesdale's website:  www.holmesdalefc.co.uk