Tunbridge Wells are a big club and deserve to be at the other end challenging for things other than relegation, says newly-appointed manager Richard Styles

TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ newly-appointed manager Richard Styles says he wants the club to be challenging for the league title next season.

 

Styles left their Southern Counties East Football League rivals Lordswood last night and was unveiled as Jason Bourne’s replacement at Culverden Stadium this morning.

Tunbridge Wells parted company with stalwart Bourne and his assistant manager Andy Boyle on Monday 13 May 2019.

Styles brings Dan Morrin (assistant manager) and Luke Carpenter (coach) with him from Lordswood, where he guided the Medway based club to sixteenth, eighth and tenth-placed finishes during his three seasons in charge.

Since reaching The FA Vase Final in May 2013, where they lost 2-1 to now National League North side Spennymoor Town, Tunbridge Wells have finished in fourth, fifth, fourteenth, fifteenth, fifteenth and last season completed their campaign in the bottom six.

“I’m delighted and excited to be given the opportunity to manage such a big club as Tunbridge Wells,” said Styles.

“It’s a very big club, with a large following and big history and it gives me a project to sink my teeth into right away and get to work.

“It was never going to be an easy decision to leave Lordswood, a club that will always mean a lot to me and I’m forever thankful to the committee for giving me a route into management for three years and their support has been something I’ll never forget.

“After meeting with Scott Bartlett (chairman) it was apparent that we had the same views, ambitions and visions to how the club can move forward.

“I have full respect for Jason Bourne and everything he has done for the Wells both playing and managing and I wish him all the best for his future also.

“My aspirations for the season are simple and to better where the club finished last year, which I believe was no fair reflection on the club.

“Tunbridge Wells are a big club and deserve to be at the other end challenging for things other than relegation.

“Me and my team will work hard to make sure we have a successful season with a strong dressing room and great atmosphere at Culverden Stadium for all to see and opposition to fear.

“I’m delighted to bring my management staff with me of Dan Morrin and Luke Carpenter, who are two people that make us a real strong management team and are right up there with the best around at what they do.

“As a group we are very ambitious and I’ll be instilling that into the mindset of the players and mentality within the changing room.

“Work has already begun on the challenge ahead and it’s one I’m really looking forward to.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.com