I will not put new management trio under pressure, says Croydon chief

Monday 26th January 2009

CROYDON chairman Dickson Gill says he will not put new manager Tony Beckingham under pressure to deliver Ryman League football to the club in August 2010, writes Stephen McCartney.

Beckingham, who quit fellow Kent League side Holmesdale thirteen days ago, was appointed the club's third manager of the season last Thursday.

Beckingham, who has drafted in Ken Thurgood and goalkeeping coach Tony Prime from his previous club, takes over from former Dover Athletic striker David Leworthy, who was forced to step down through work commitments two weeks ago.

Leworthy's assistant, Peter Thomas, has left the South Norwood club, as he was "surplus to requirements".

"When David joined he did tell me he may have a problem later because of his work, it may come up, it may not because of ship work," Mr Gill explained to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

"About three weeks ago, due to his work, he wouldn't be available for quite a few Saturday's and training sessions and we said we'll see how it goes.

"Since that fall I had, I'm not having the best of times, I'm still under hospital now and one day is never the same for me.

"When David wasn't available, he's assistant was helping me. His assistant couldn't do it on his own because I wasn't always available."

Mr Gill revealed Leworthy officially left the Croydon Sports Arena outfit two weeks ago, but kept the news quiet so that the side could prepare for their trip to Biggleswade Town in the FA Carlsberg Vase.

"He left two weeks ago but because of the Vase we just wanted to keep it under the hat because we didn't want it upsetting no one," he said.

"What it was, he actually didn't leave, he liked to step backwards and see what happens, but we didn't have enough time for that because we couldn't wait indefinate.

"I understand his work is more important than football so I had to take the interest of the club, which was to appoint somebody who was going to be there - and I can't be there.

"If I was in good health I would've taken it for as long as David was back, because in my opinion he was a very good manager we had at the club and his experience and knowledge was superb.

"I would've loved to kept him longer as I beleive he would've taken us a lot further.

"I understand it's not his living, it's only a pastime thing. He's got family to keep and I would like to thank him and Peter for their hard work. In my absence in hospital they've done a brilliant job for me."

Mr Gill spoke to Beckingham last Tuesday and officially made him the club's third manager of the season last Thursday and the former Dalers' joint-manager took training that night.

The chairman picked the side for Saturday's goal-less home draw against Herne Bay in the first leg of the Bulmers Cider Kent League Cup Quarter-Final at the Arena.

Beckingham quit Oakley Road as Holmesdale didn't apply for promotion into the Ryman League, despite the club sitting second in the Kent League table.

The Trams are in 12th place in the table with 20 points from 14 games and are 21 points adrift of leaders Hythe Town, who have played four more games.

Mr Gill has wrote off the club's chances of promotion this term, but will not put the new trio under pressure next term.

"At this present moment it's a million miles away," he said of the club's promotion chances this term.

"He done a superb job at Holmesdale, you never know what he can do with us. He done well, there's no reason why he can't. If he don't, he don't. I'm not going to put him under pressure.

"If he brings his expertise, what he done at Holmesdale, and the good atmosphere he brought to that club, if could happen (next season), couldn't it?

"It's up to the management how well they do and the team. It's not entirely up to me to (say we're going to win promotion at the end of next season). If I say that, I'm putting them under pressure and I don't want to do that.

"They've just come on board and their finding their feet. I will support them."

Visit Croydon's website: www.croydon-fc.co.uk

Herne Bay v Croydon
Bulmers Cider Kent League Cup Quarter-Final Second Leg
Saturday 31st January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG