Hazel so close to winning return

Carshalton Athletic's new manager Ian Hazel came within a penalty kick of making a winning return to the hot-seat at the Ryman Premier's Robins.

The 45-year-old former Football League defender and midfielder was appointed on Monday night after Tommy Williams, pictured, was shown the door at Colston Avenue just over a year after taking the helm.

At Hampton & Richmond Borough on Tuesday night, Hazel, who still heads Athletic's Academy and had Paul Hartford alongside him in the dugout as the club's new assistant manager, guided the Robins to a 3-3 draw in the Robert Dyas League Cup, only to see his new charges beaten on penalties at the end of the Second Round tie.

Former Robins player and coach Williams took charge at Athletic last September. Chairman Paul Dipre insists the decision to part company after a poor start to the season was necessary with the club currently third from bottom following a run of just two wins and two draws from their opening 13 games.

Dipre said: "Tommy has been a big part of the Robins for many years as a player, coach and manager. His commitment and loyalty towards the club has been unquestionable. It has been an uncomfortable decision, but made in the club's best interests."

Hazel has taken the reigns at Colston Avenue twice previously, the last time last September when he replaced Dipre before Williams' subsequent appointment. He turned professional in 1985 at Wimbledon and went on to play for Bristol Rovers before moving on to Maidstone United, Gloucester City, Slough, Aylesbury, Chesham, Tooting & Mitcham United, Banstead Athletic and the Robins. As a manager he has also worked at Tooting & Mitcham, Molesey, Walton & Hersham, Sutton United and Leatherhead.

Image courtesy of the Sutton Guardian