I never accepted the Tunbridge Wells job, says Mike Maher

TUNBRIDGE WELLS continue to search for a new manager after a bizarre sequence of events today.

The Culverden Stadium outfit had announced on their official website on Tuesday lunchtime that they had appointed former Redhill boss Mike Maher as Martin Larkin’s successor.

But around 23 hours after the announcement, the club published a tweet to say that “with regret Mike Maher has decided against taking up the position of first team manager.”

Maher then sent a text to clarify the situation by saying, “You can retract any Twitter statements that I was the Tunbridge Wells manager. The job was never accepted.”  

Maher issued a longer statement on his Twitter account.

“With regards to the Tunbridge Wells job to clear it up. I was interviewed on Monday and subsequently offered the job by the chairman.

“I requested time to speak to people relevant to the decision being made and also follow up the clubs belief that a certain amount of players were staying.

“However, before I even contacted the chairman it had been made public I have accepted the post without me contacting the chairman.

“So therefore I would like to make clear I never accepted the role, and information I was given was not correct.

“I wish Tunbridge Wells Football Club every success.”

However, a further twist in the tale arrived at 14:19 today when Wells’ Southern Counties East Football League rivals Cray Valley (Paper Mills) announced that they have a new head coach to work alongside manager Paul Gross.

The club tweeted: “After a day or two’s confusion, Paul Gross and The Millers welcome Mike Maher to the club as head coach!”

Brendon Cass (Erith & Belvedere), Paul Booth (Ashford United) have both joined league rivals and former Tunbridge Wells’ defender Nick Davis, signed winger Jake Beecroft last night, for Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne.

Tunbridge Wells finished in fifth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League last season, Cray Valley in seventh.

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.com

Visit Cray Valley’s website: http://www.cray-valley.co.uk