Tommy Sampson: Messages of Support

The response from the Kentish football family to Tommy Sampson’s small stroke, that he suffered last Wednesday, WILL assist with his recovery at Maidstone hospital, writes Stephen McCartney.

Chairmen, secretaries, players and managers have contacted www. To wish Sampson, 53, a speedy recovery, meaning Sampson is a very highly-respected figure head here in the Garden of England.

Now managing across the border in Surrey, at Sussex County League minnows Redhill, after a couple of successful years in Sussex at Horsham YMCA, the two things that we wish for is a speedy and full recovery for Tommy - and for him to get back to where he belongs - managing a football club here in Kent!

We now list the messages of support that we have received over the last couple of days from well-wishers here in our great football family.

So Sorry to hear of Tommy’s set-back. All of us at Kent County Football Association wish him a very speedy return to full health - Keith Masters, Chief Executive, Kent County Football Association

Tommy. Both Dom and our whole family wish you a speedy recovery. We will never forget the opportunities you have and arranged for him at Dartford and Chatham. Dom is gradually making progress on his leg injury at the minute but would love you to come and see him in the near year, hopefully at Chatham, when both of you are well. I would like to bet there to buy you a pint! Get well soon. - Chris Elmes

Get well soon Tommy! We look forward to sitting with you again soon after we’ve both been trying to find a game of football to watch! With our good wishes to you! - - Elaine and Alan Orsbourne and all at Ashford Town Football Club

From everyone at Cray Wanderers wishing you all the best and get well soon! Always good to see you around, hear your opinions and how many players you’ve got injured this week!! What a great day that was at Wembley, possibly the greatest ever achievement for a Kent manager. Hope to see you soon. - Gary Hillman, Chairman, Cray Wanderers Football Club

Get well soon. I’ve always enjoyed our chats and the time you have for so many football. Come on and get out of bed! See you soon. - Ken Gower

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! - Kevin Spriggs, footballer, VCD Athletic

All of us at Sittingbourne Football Club wish Tommy a speedy recovery and hope he makes a full recovery and can get back to the game he loves. - John Pitts, Secretary, Sittingbourne Football Club

Get well soon Tommy! Wish you a speedy recovery. Kevin Brown, footballer, Rusthall

From everyone at VCD Athletic Football Club, we wish you a full and speedy recovery and hope that you are fit and well again soon. Hope it’s not too long before you are back in football, where you belong. Take it easy! All the best! Brian Norris, VCD Athletic Football Club.

Hope you have a speedy recovery! Get well soon mate! Dave Hassett, footballer

Best wishes and we all hope your recovery is a speedy one and you’re back in your dugout ASAP, Hugo Langton, manager, Rusthall Football Club

I go back 15-20 years me and Tommy Sampson. When they (Deal Town) the FA Vase at Wembley, Ramsgate were lucky enough to get to the last eight. He had a standing joke that Ramsgate softened up Newcastle Town. If it wasn’t for Ramsgate, Deal Town wouldn’t have won the Vase! The man is such a good competitor always, during his playing and managerial days. Also the reason we got so close, it will be me and Tommy there watching games. That’s why he’s so successful. He is very thorough in his preparation, the way he approaches himself to football. He will come back. I’ve spoken to his wife Sandie and the doctors will say he will make a full recovery ad I’m certain that he will. It’s funny how life is. For a man of 53, he’s such a fit man, he plays golf, the man is fit as a fiddle. Since he’s been out of Kent, he’s certainly been a loss to me as we always pick our brains. Jim Ward, manager, Ramsgate Football Club

I was very upset when I heard about Tommy’s illness. As the former, now retired, sports editor of the Herne Bay and Whitstable Times, I enjoyed a close working relationship with Tommy during his hugely successful stint as manager at Winch’s Field. He is a reporter’s dream contact - always making himself available, always happy to talk at length - and then some! About his players and the team in general. Get well soon, Tommy, and come back to football in Kent where you are held in great esteem. Nigel Munson, Journalist

Ww would all like to wish Tommy a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on his feet real soon. From everyone involved with Chatham Town Football Club. Steve Binks, Manager, Chatham Town Football Club

Get well soon Tommy from all your friends down at the Green. Shocked to hear the news. I know that you will hate it being in hospital. Just hope you haven’t bored the nurses and doctors telling them how you won the FA Vase at Wembley as you did with everyone else! Here’s to a speedy recovery. Hope to see you down the Green soon. Robert Smith, Slade Green Football Club