Croydon explain Tompkins' departure

KENT LEAGUE club Croydon have issued the following statement, concerning the departure of manager Mark Tompkins, last Thursday, 23^rd October.

Here is the statement issued in full:

“Croydon FC would like to thank Mark Tompkins for the efforts he made on behalf of the club during his brief managerial tenure. We would also like to wish him every success in the future.

“Mr Tompkins was appointed joint manager with Dickson Gill on 30 August 2008 and took sole charge on 2c September 2008 when Mr Gill was unable to continue as joint manager due to his ill health.

“It was always Mr Gill’s intention to resume an active coaching role when his health allowed although it was made clear to Mr Tompkins that he would remain manager.

“When Mr Tompkins was appointed the budget for the season had already been set. He agreed to work within the financial framework laid down, with any additions to the wage bill agreed through the football club‘s committee.

“Unfortunately the player budget spiralled upwards and cuts had to be made. The current tough financial climate having limited the funds available to the team as there have been fewer than anticipated functions in the clubhouse. Also due to the credit crunch a lucrative sponsorship that had been anticipated since July failed to materialise.

“As Mr Gill‘s health improved he sought to take a more active role in team affairs, the development of youth players with potential being of particular concern to him.

“Unfortunately Mr Tompkins and Mr Gill failed to see eye to eye on this matter and no youth players were promoted to the first team.

“The coach appointed by Mr Tompkins left the club within a fortnight and the burden of coaching as well as managing fell onto his shoulders. With this in mind Mr Gill offered to help with some training but Mr Tompkins thought that his position was being compromised intolerably in these circumstances.

“On Thursday 23 October 2008, Mr Tompkins made the decision to resign as manager and the Committee accepted his resignation.

“Mr Tompkins contends that the club‘s chairman Dickson Gill interfered unacceptably in team affairs and that he was dismissed as Mr Gill wished to become manager again. Mr Gill refutes this utterly.

“His ill health precludes him from running the football side of the club on a permanent basis and he will be only looking to steady the ship for the time being.

“In the meantime the team‘s affairs will be run by David Dei and Marcus Alcindor with Mr Gill in an advisory role.”