Luke Carpenter steps down as Tunbridge Wells manager just nine days before the start of the new season

TUNBRIDGE WELLS begin the search for a new manager after Luke Carpenter resigned last night just nine days before the start of the new season.

“After long discussions between the chairman and manager yesterday evening, the club accepted Luke Carpenter’s resignation as first team manager,” said a club statement.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Luke for his hard work over the last 14 months.

“Steph Harper, Jonathan Shea and Adam Porter will take charge of Saturday’s final pre-season friendly against Eastbourne Town at Culverden Stadium.”

The Wells finished in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division last season.

Tunbridge Wells kick-off their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign at home to Hollands & Blair on Saturday 29 July.

Scott Porter's side claimed the Challenge Cup by beating Fisher 2-1 in Whitstable on Bank Holiday Monday, 1 May.