Coney Hall begin search to find their fifth manager in 2006 - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Combined Counties League division one outfit Coney Hall are searching for their fifth manager in 2006 following the sudden resignation of Russell Hullett last week, writes Stephen McCartney.

Hullett was forced to quit the Tiepigs Lane outfit through “personal problems,” which meant he had to move back to his native Nottingham after just three months in charge of the West Wickham based club, currently tenth in the table.

Reserve team manager Kevin Imber has stepped up to fill the void until the club decide their next course of action.

Chairman Mr Joe Farrugia now begins the search to find his fifth manager in this calendar year.

Successful manager Chris Tucker, who took the club from non-league obscurity to two divisions below the Ryman League, resigned in February 2006 after the club’s ambitions didn’t match his.

Since being appointed as first team manager in September 2001, long-serving Tucker delivered numerous honours to the club but since his departure the club has not yet found the stability that is required at first team level.

Tucker’s assistant Colin Coldspring (February-August), John Wheelhouse (August-September) were in charge of team affairs before Hullett took the reigns.

Mr Farrugia admitted EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today that he was “disappointed” that he’s lost a manager who was trying to breed home grown talent.

He said: “Well, with Russell, our last one, whose really a good manager, he’s got some personal problems and having to move back to Nottingham.

“Unfortunately, he’s had to resign, which is disappointing for the club because he was taking the club where we wanted to go by developing home grown players and the youth section.

“But unfortunately personal circumstances means he has to relocate to where he originates from.”

Mr Farrugia explained club officials will need to sit down to discuss their next move.

“At the moment Kevin Imber, the reserve team manager, has stepped up and the club has got to sit down to discuss the way forward now whether he stays on and we find a new reserve team manager,” he said.

But he did not rule out a return for Tucker, the club’s most successful manager, although if that was to happen he would need the backing from the rest of the committee.

He said: “At the moment the club is looking for fresh faces but Chris Tucker has not been ruled out totally but we have to sit down as a club and look at the way forward.”

But one former player, goalkeeper Billy Tucker believes his brother should be given the opportunity to return and finish off the job - promotion into the Ryman League, that is if the club improve their facilities, including floodlighting.

“OK, I am a bit biased as Chris is my brother but from what I have seen and heard since leaving the club (at the end of last season), the enjoyment of playing down there has gone and to be honest it went as soon as Chris left last season,” he said.

“I have been asked on many occasions whether I would return to play for the club and my answer has always been “I doubt it”, but if one manager could tempt me back to the club it would be Chris.

“I know that goes for a few other players that left at the end of last season so bring the good times back to the club - bring back Tucker.”

Stuart McIntyre (Bromley), George Wakeling and Billy Smith (Bromley), Steve Lovell (Sittingbourne) and Clive Walker (Dover Athletic) have had more than one spell at Kent football clubs.

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