Dale didn't tap me up, insists Langton

NEW HOLMESDALE coach Hugo Langton has tonight explained why he has left Vandanel Kent County League side Rusthall to take up his new role at Oakley Road - but insists he was not tapped up by Holmesdale manager Tony Beckingham, writes Stephen McCartney.

Langton left the Jockey Farm club on Friday, but still took charge of their pre-season friendly at Sevenoaks Town the following day, which they lost 2-0.

“I have reached the difficult decision to leave Rusthall Football Club,” Langton told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I no longer feel that I am the right man to take the club forward this season, and I feel the club needs a different manager with a different approach.”

Langton has struck up a good friendship with Holmesdale manager Tony Beckingham and jumped at the chance of joining the Oakley Road outfit as coach, immediately after leaving the Rustics.

“When I informed the club of my decision to leave, I told Tony Beckingham, who has become a good friend in recent months, of my intentions, and it was only then he offered my a position at Holmesdale,” Langton confirmed.

“I don’t want anyone thinking that this was carefully planned or that Tony has tapped me up, as this could not be further from the truth.

“From my point of view, I feel I have been lucky that Tony offered me the opportunity, as I could have been out of football for the time being.

“I am currently doing my UEFA A licence and I feel it is better for me at present to concentrate solely on my coaching, rather than worrying about players etc, as its paramount for me to pass my A Licence.

“Rusthall are a terrific club and it was extremely difficult telling the players I was leaving. I would like to thank them for everything they have given me and I hope they push on together as a team and as a club.

“I would also like to thank the chairman Dave Rusbridge, Vice Chairman Robbie Forbes and of course my assistant John Ronaldson for all their support during my time there. I hope they have a great season.

“I am now looking forward to my new role at Holmesdale, and working with Tony, his staff and players in the coming season. They clearly are a brilliantly run club with ambitions for the future, and I am excited to be a part of that.”

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk

Visit Rusthall’s website: www.rusthallfc.co.uk