Tucker to apply despite assistance rejected - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Monday 11th December 2006

Former Coney Hall manager Chris Tucker is to apply for the first team manager’s role after his offer of help to their new manager Kevin Imber was rejected, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 29-year-old offered to help to get the Combined Counties League division one club in a stable position after the West Wickham side have won only six of their opening 17 league games and are eleventh in the table.

Since Tucker resigned in February, Coney Hall have had no fewer than four managers who have failed to emulate the success achieved under the Bromley based manager.

“I rang Kevin to offer to help to bring in some fresh faces to give him my experience of that division and the players he had to work with, because the personnel was none different that won the league two season’s ago,” Tucker said in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“The side are obviously lacking confidence and above all a leader to motivate them.

“This is a shame because only two season’s ago 90% of that side lost only one game on their way to winning the title.

“Kevin did make it clear that he does have a number two, John Wheelhouse Snr, and made it clear that he appreciated I offered to help but he does want to do it his own way, which I understand.

“I can understand Kevin’s point of view as his time has come as he has bided his time. He wasn’t offered the job on previous occasions when it could have been offered to him.

“I wish him and John all the best but my experience within that league I could have guided Kevin until the end of this season when he would have had some knowledge of the league and the players and stood him in good stead for next season.

“I’ve spoken to the Coney Hall chairman and made my position clear that I will be available and if the current situation continues as to where they will be looking for a new manager if results don’t pick up, then obviously I will apply for that position as first team manager.

“I think I’ve still got good connections with players in the non-league game who are available and I could bring in eight or nine players who could do a job straight away.

“I wish Kevin and John the best of luck for the season and just hope they can lead Coney Hall to safety.”

Visit Coney Hall's website: www.coneyhallfc.com