Local Sport
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2008
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Tilbury boss resigns
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| John Lawrence |
JUST days after announcing multi-million pound plans for a new ground that will secure the club's future, Tilbury have parted company with manager John Lawrence.
The Dockers boss, who led the side to last day safety in the Ryman One North Division, announced his resignation on Tuesday saying he did not feel the club had a sufficient commitment to the playing resorce.
Lawrence had to survive with one of the lowest budgets in the league last season, and after a meeting with chairman Robbie Nash and the players on Tuesday, he announced he would not be taking on a similar challenge next time around.
Club secretary Mark Southgate said: "It is disappointing but understandable.
"John did a good job with the limited resources that we can muster but felt he wanted to test himself in an environment where he had a better chance of success. He wants to be competitive and does not feel that this can be achieved with the current financial situation at Tilbury.
"That is understandable and everyone at Tilbury offers John nothing but our best wishes."
Lawrence is also believed to be upset by a hefty series of fines and suspension levelled on Tilbury staff by the FA after a match at Wivenhoe.
He has received a touchline ban for four matches, while other members of the dugout team, sent off at Wivenhoe have also been punished, with fines totalling several hundred pounds.
Southgate said the club had an open mind on Lawrence's successor and anyone interested in the post is invited to contact him on 07979525117 or email him at mark.southgate@purcom.com.
Meanwhile the club's backers in the move to a new stadium have spoken of their plans.
Stephen Boyling, a director of Montana Property Developments, said: "The concept has been well thought through by all parties Gateway Academy, Tilbury FC management and ourselves.
"The cost of the stadium and associated community areas would be in the region of £5m and capacity when completed for 3,000.
"After long consultations with all parties it is our joint view the proposal would enable the Academy to be seriously considered for sports status and have at their disposal a truly wonderful complex for the influx of talented sports students.
"It would compliment the new Gateway Academy which would probably be the best in the country but most importantly a true focal point for the community of Tilbury as the complex would have various associated usages other than sport along with the added long term benefit of security for Tilbury FC.
"The existing football club sits within the protected flood zone area and therefore the scheme if approved could commence immediately after the necessary approvals.
"The training ground redevelopment would follow on when the necessary flood relief schemes are in place.
"The figure of 500 homes mentioned in last week's Gazette article does not form part of the football clubs grounds this refers to a figure for discussion by the Thames Gateway for other areas north of Tilbury on marsh land.
"At this stage we have no specific housing schemes."
3:03am Wednesday 7th May 2008
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