Securing safety earns Dowson new two year deal

Hampton & Richmond Borough manager Alan Dowson has been handed a new two year deal after securing the club's Ryman Premier status.

Appointed back in September as the successor to Paul Barry and Darren Powell, the former Kingstonian and Walton & Hersham manager, pictured, has signed on until the summer of 2017 after positive talks with chairman Steve McPherson and director David Sines over the past few weeks.

In a statement released by the Beavers, chairman McPherson said retaining the services of the 45-year-old former Millwall and Darlington defender was the first significant step in what hopes will be a push for promotion next season.

McPherson said: “We are over the moon that Alan has said yes and we believe this is a big development for the club going forward. His remit since coming to the club in September was to ensure safety and get us into a position where there is a summer of positivity ahead. He has managed to achieve both.

“It’s not just the great work he has done on the pitch that has impressed us. Off it, working tirelessly in the community and involving himself in all aspects of the club, gives the impression that he wants to be at Hampton for the long haul. I hope the supporters will agree this is wonderful news for the club.”

Geordie Dowson, who spent seven years managing Kingstonian, told the club's website that he didn’t have to think twice about putting pen-to-paper to stay on at the Beveree.

He said: “There is only one place I want to be and I am chuffed to bits with the faith the club have put in me. I really do feel at home here. There’s ambition and a feeling that better things could be around the corner.

"When I was asked to stay for another two years I didn’t have to wait around to answer the question. I didn't hesitate. We have achieved our main aim and the players have been fantastic. Now that we know what’s happening we can build this club back up to where it should be."

He added: "I am so very much looking forward to the future - and I hope the fans share my excitement.”

Image courtesy of www.kingstonguardian.co.uk

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