Chester steps up to take the reins at Tilbury

3:29pm Friday 9th May 2008

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TILBURY have moved quickly to replace John Lawrence, the manager who resigned on Tuesday, by appointing Eton Manor boss Graham Chester.

Chester has guided Eton Manor, who play their home matches at Tilbury's Chadfield's grounds, to one of their best seasons in recent years - culminating in victory in last weekend's Essex Senior League Cup final. They finished fourth inthe league.

It is understood that 36-year-old Chester, who formerly managed Canning Town, will be joined at Tilbury by members of his coaching team and several of the current Eton Manor playing squad are also expected to step up to the Ryman Division One North.

Chester has working something of revival in fortunes at one time perennial stugglers Manor after replacing Kirk Whitelock in January 2007.

When he arrived he said: "The winds of change are here and I expect our players to rise to the occasion, now is the time to move forward to do our best and show what as a team we can achieve."

Tilbury will be hoping he can do the same in charge of the senior team at Chadfields, who have struggled over recent recent seasons to make an impact with a low budget restricting the club's playing staff, a handicap that eventually forced Lawrence to throw in the towel after keeping the club in the Ryman One North on the last day of the season.