Beckingham returns after Funnell steps down

Tony Beckingham returned to East Grinstead Town as interim manager on Wednesday after Simon Funnell's three year reign at the Ryman League newcomers ended by mutual consent.

Funnell took the helm at East Court in October 2011 and last season led the Wasps to second place in the Sussex County League and promotion to Ryman South.

He parted company with the club in the bottom three despite guiding his side to victory in his final game in charge, last Tuesday night's 2-1 home win over Carshalton Athletic.

In a statement released by the club, officials said Funnell had "worked tirelessly" to establish the Wasps at the highest level in their history and had left to give the club the chance to change manager in a bid to preserve their status and ensure their continued growth and development.

Chairman Richard Tramontin said: "The committee spoke at great length with Simon before reaching this decision which was extremely tough to make because Simon has been the most successful manager in our history and you won’t find anyone who works as hard as he does.

"But he recognises, like us, the importance of doing all we can to remain in the Ryman League and we feel a change of manager at this stage of the season will give us every opportunity to do that."

Beckingham, pictured, was at the helm at the GAC Stadium between February 2010 and October 2011. Tramontin backed the 48-year-old former Holmesdale, Lingfield, Phoenix Sports and Croydon manager to use his experience to turn the club's fortunes around.

He added: "Tony knows the club well and we’re delighted he has agreed to come back. He is very experienced, has a wealth of contacts at all levels of the game and will be looking to utilise these to try and keep the club in the Ryman League. We’re fortunate to be able to call on someone of his experience and we wish him every success."

Image courtesy of www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk

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