Warrilow is back as new boss

Warrilow, pictured, won promotion to National League South from the Ryman Premier during a seven year reign at Tonbridge Angels before leaving two years ago.

Following his appointment at the Wands in January 2015, Warrilow pulled off the great escape, masterminding 10 wins on the spin from their final games to avoid the drop.

In a statement released on Friday announcing his arrival, officials at Bayliss Avenue said Warrilow will be assisted by his long term number two Alex O'Brien as he sets about succeeding Terry Spillane who stood down two weeks ago after failing to reach the Ryman North play-offs.

Thamesmead Town chairman Paul Bowden-Brown was delighted to end what the club called a "grueling" search to unveil Warrilow.

The chairman said: “After pondering over a long extended list of high calibre applications, Tommy’s name was suggested to me in the boardroom last Saturday and without knowing if he would even be interested in this position, I decided to make contact.

“During our discussions Tommy was impressed with our long term plans for the club and believes we are going in the right direction. It was good to see that Tommy has the same aspirations as myself regarding the club and its future goals.”

"Tommy has vast experience, a large network of contacts, and, more importantly, is a very respected figure in football circles. Over the years, whilst I was involved with Maidstone we had a many a tussle within our local derby games against Tonbridge Angels, and I was always impressed at the manner and professionalism of the way he conducted himself.”

“Tommy has managed in the Conference South, Ryman Premier and last season joined Cray, in January, when Tommy will be remembered for his achievements there due to winning the last ten consecutive games and avoiding relegation.”

“Although the club's long term plans for the future are exciting, for the time being, Tommy will be working within the same budget structure as our previous management, and is looking forward to meeting our existing staff and players, at the earliest opportunity."

He added: “Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome both Tommy and Alex to the club and I look forward to an exciting future at Thamesmead Town Football club”.

Warrilow said: “I’m delighted to get back into football and management. Things have happened so fast over the last week or so and I’m delighted to join the club at this time which such great plans for the future!”

Warrilow, a UEFA B licenced coach, played for Millwall and Torquay United professionally as well as abroad in Australia and Finland.

In Non-League, the former central defender turned out for Crawley Town, Maidstone United, Canterbury City, Gravesend & Northfleet, Tonbridge Angels, Hythe Town, Sittingbourne, Ashford Town, Dartford, Folkestone and Cray Wanderers.

Image courtesy of www.courier.co.uk

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