Long term deal lured Hazel

New Carshalton Athletic boss Ian Hazel has revealed he took the vacant manager's position at the Ryman Premier's Colston Avenue because he was offered a long-term crack of the whip, writes James Barrett.

The former Football League defender, now 45, has been with the Robins for seven years and has been caretaker manager twice previously. He was approached about taking the reins on a permanent basis after the club parted ways with former manager Tommy Williams last weekend.

As a manager he has also worked at Tooting & Mitcham, Molesey, Walton & Hersham, Sutton United and Leatherhead. He says the promise of a contract until the end of the season, combining his long-standing work with the Carshalton youth academy with the manager's hot-seat, was an opportunity he couldn't resist and is relishing his new dual role.

Hazel said: "I was disappointed when I heard about Tommy because I helped get him to the club and he is a good guy but, when I was initially asked, I said I didn’t want to just keep the seat warm for someone else again.

"I feel I can instil a firm foundation encompassing the first team, the reserves and youth side to build for a brighter future. No-one can question my loyalty to Carshalton, I want to see the club doing well and for it to be in a position to win things in the future."

Hazel has appointed Paul Harford, son of ex-Fulham and Blackburn manager Ray, as his assistant and the pair are now preparing for their first Ryman Premier game on Saturday when the Robins make the long trip to Lowestoft Town on Saturday.

Hazel knows his side aren't lacking in spirit after taking charge of the first-team on Tuesday night at Hampton and Richmond Borough in the Robert Dyas League Cup where he saw his charges eventually lose a thrilling 3-3 clash on penalties.

Hazel's side were trailing 3-1 at the break before taking the game to penalties and he added: "We could’ve been down and out by half-time but we hung in there. We changed our shape at the break, made a change and were then arguably the better side."

An own goal in the fifth minute and one in each half from top scorer Tommy Bradford set up the shoot-out and Matt Males was the only player not to hit the back of the net as Hampton won 5-3.

Hazel added: "It was a shame for Matt but we all should be pleased with our second-half response. It was a positive display and we even had chances to add a fourth."