Tanner to step aside for successor after final game

Former reserve team manager and coach Frank Wilson is returning to Tooting & Mitcham United as the successor to manager Craig Tanner who is leaving the Ryman South's Terrors after their final game of the season.

The Terrors named Wilson as their incoming manager on Thursday, a few hours after announcing that they would be parting company with Tanner, pictured, and his assistant Adam Moriarty after next Thursday night's London Senior Cup final against Hendon at Imber Court.

Former Walton & Hersham manager Mark Hams will work alongside Wilson as his number two and head coach. Officials say their new management team are now preparing the squad for next season after Tanner and Moriarty agreed to stay on to ensure a smooth handover and complete the campaign with next week's cup final.

Tanner, who came through the youth ranks at the club before playing for Sutton United, Hampton & Richmond, Carshalton Athletic and Metropolitan Police, took charge at the KNK Stadium almost two years ago in June 2013 and worked alongside Wilson when he arrived to guide the club's reserves to the runners-up spot in the league. When the side was disbanded he took up a coaching role before stepping away from football altogether last year to concentrate on his business commitments.

Wilson, who was appointed as a regional coach for the English Universities national team after guiding St Mary's University men to promotion to the top flight of student football, kicked off his playing career at Staines Town before moving on to AFC Wimbledon, Hendon and Walton & Hersham.

In a statement announcing the change of management, the Terrors said: "The club feels a change is required in order to attain it's ambition of promotion from Ryman South.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Craig and Adam for all their hard work in bringing stability to the club over the last two years and would like to wish them all the best for the future.

"Craig and Adam will remain in charge of the first team for the remainder of the season whilst Frank and Mark will be preparing the squad for next year with immediate effect."

Image courtesy of www.thisislondon.co.uk

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