I leave Fisher with a heavy heart, says Billy Walton

FISHER assistant manager Billy Walton has explained his reasons behind his decision to quit the Kent League club today – just a year after joining the club from rivals’ Greenwich Borough.

Walton was enticed to Champion Hill by manager Steve Firkins after the entire Greenwich Borough management team and squad switched clubs last summer.

Fisher had finished at the foot of the Kent League table in season 2010-11, prompting to appoint Firkins to replace Gary Lisney.

They brought an attacking brand of football to Fisher – described by Walton as “carpet football” and the south London club finished in a more respectable tenth-place (of sixteen clubs) last season.

A club statement, which was published on www.fisherfc.co.uk, said: “Billy became a cult hero at Fisher after joining us last summer and giving a media interview in pre-season where he promised the fans they would experience ‘carpet football’ at Champion Hill during the season that followed.

“Billy was true to his word, with Fisher fans treated to some fantastic displays of attacking, passing football masterminded by Bill and manager Steve Firkins.

“Billy’s promise became a terrace chant as the Fisher faithful made sure that everyone knew they were watching “Billy Walton’s carpet football” whenever and wherever the Fish played.

Explaining his decision to resign, Bermondsey born Walton felt that the time was right to step back from first team coaching:

He said: “I leave the club with a heavy heart and am sorry that the club didn’t achieve the success that the fans deserve last season, but I hope that they enjoyed the style of football that we played. 

“I would like to thank the chairman Ben, secretary Dan (York) and the rest of the board – and of course Steve Firkins – for giving me the opportunity to come to Fisher. Last but definitely not least I’d like to say a huge thanks to the Fisher fans including of course Little Mark and the Fisher Five!”

Fisher chairman Ben Westmancott paid tribute to Walton’s contribution, saying, “Everyone at Fisher wants to express a huge thank you to Billy for everything he brought to our club and particularly his passion for Fisher and the game of football, his sense of humour – and of course his legendary carpet football.

“We wish him all the best, and Billy knows that we expect to see him at Champion Hill this season leading the singing in the Shed!”.

Walton’s departure means that there are some large boots to fill on the coaching staff. Fisher are now accepting applications for the position of first team coach, and the voluntary position would suit a coach qualified to at least FA Level 3/UEFA level B looking to develop their experience and skills at a club that aims to play an attractive passing game.

The postholder will be expected to take training sessions and matchday warm-ups.

Interested parties should contact manager Steve Firkins by email in the first instance s.firkins@hotmail.co.uk and enclose their coaching CV.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 21 June 2012. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.co.uk