Spillane era ends after reverse

Appointed midway through last season to succeed Keith McMahon who stepped down after 11 years at the helm, the former Maldon & Tiptree boss left Bayliss Avenue by mutual consent on Monday following talks with chairman Paul Bowden-Brown in the wake of their 4-3 defeat at Maldon & Tiptree.

Saturday's reverse for Spillane's ninth placed side left them eight points off a play-off spot with only two games to go. In a statement on Monday, Mead officials said they regretted Spillane's departure and said they expected to make an announcement on his successor in the near future.

In a joint statement chairman Bowden-Brown paid tribute to the 55-year-old and said he would always be welcome at Sporting Club Thamesmead.

He said: “I’d like put on record my thanks Terry for all he’s done during his reign as manager of TTFC, and I wish him well for the future on behalf of everyone at the club.

"We’ve had a discussion since our game at Maldon on Saturday and it’s a disappointing day that we have agreed to go our separate ways. Terry will always be welcome at the Sporting Club Thamesmead.”

Spillane said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at TTFC and feel that we’ve achieved a lot in my time at the club. I’d just like to thank my back room staff [Tony Faulkner, Darran George and Carly Payne] for their help and support, as well as under 21 manager Gary Ryan, for producing a number of players who have featured for me, [club secretary] Dave Joy who has been immense, as well as the old committee members.

"I’d also like to thank the chairman for the unconditional support given to me. Most importantly, I’d like to thank all of the players who have worn the club's colours in my time and have given everything for me. Finally, a thank you to all the club’s supporters who have been magnificent and I’m sure they will be for the new manager whoever he may be.”

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