Hayles to the (Assistant) Chief

Merstham yesterday announced that former Jamaica international striker Barry Hayles would be Frank Wilson's new Assistant at Moatside.

Hayles, who began his career with Stevenage in Non League before being signed by Bristol Rovers aged twenty five, eventually found himself in the Premier League with Fulham, and remained a professional until he went back to his Non League roots aged thirty eight. Now aged forty seven, he's continued to play since his professional days came to an end, and who knows, might still be tempted to pull on his boots if the strikers at Moatside don't do what they should!

In a stellar playing career he became a hero at Fulham, a big part of their Championship winning side under Jean Tigana. He also turned out for Leicester City, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United, amongst others.

Here's hoping he has the kind of relationship with Wilson that he had with Tigana, who he cites as the best manager he worked with, and not the kind he had with Neil Warnock at Sheffield United, who he is clear was the worst manager he ever played for. In an interview with the Telegraph in February 2018 he described Warnock thus:

“We had a very brief relationship at Sheffield United. He bought me, gave me a three year contract then, four games in, I missed a chance against Reading. Next thing I know he’s sold me to Millwall. OK, these things happen. But he’s told everyone I’ve demanded a move because I don’t like northerners. I never even wanted to leave. He stitched me right up. When I went back to play there with Millwall I got stretchered off and had to go round the entire pitch, getting pelted. I got so much abuse from the Sheffield United fans it was ridiculous. When he was Crystal Palace manager, I played there with Leicester. I scored the winner and made sure I celebrated in front of his dug out.”

Read more on his arrival at Moatside, and Frank's reaction to that, at the Merstham website.