Coney Hall searching for new reserve team manager

CONEY HALL manager Chris Tucker has admitted his opening two pre-season friendlies has given him an opportunity to have a look at his younger members in his squad, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Tiepigs Lane outfit, who will be chasing promotion out of the Combined Counties League Division One this season, have already started their planned ground improvements, and they opened with a 5-4 victory at Surrey Combination Second Division outfit Lynwood, before thrashing Division One side Ashtead 4-0.

He admitted: "Obviously the opposition were a fair way below us in their divisions.  Lynwood play in Division Two of the Surrey Combination and Ashtead play in Division One.

"They were both trial games, with 16 players fielded in both.  I think the most first team players we used in these games were four in both matches - the rest were made up of new promising 16-18 year-olds coming through."

Tucker, however, had a chance to flirt with new formations, but he is expecting a tougher test when Croydon (Saturday) and Whyteleafe (Tuesday 10th August) send strong reserve sides to Tiepigs Lane, a week before the Ryman League clubs embark on their reserve league campaigns.

Tucker said: "I am expecting Croydon to field their strongest side.

"However, we have got players away with work commitments and those who play local cricket."

The 28-year-old manager, will have in his mind his strongest sixteen players to open their league campaign against Seelec Delta on the 21st August after they host the Trams.

He revealed: "By the time this Saturday is over, myself and my reserve team manager should have a good idea of my team for the opening day of the season against Seelec Delta."

He is, however, expecting a tough game against Delta.

He added: "They always start the season strongly - it's a tough, hard game to start the season." 

Although he is currently preparing the first team for the new season with Tucker, reserve team manager Kevin Imber has announced he cannot commit to the club for the new season.

Tucker is stepping up his search for a replacement.  He revealed: "Kevin cannot commit to the club from the start of the season due to family and work commitments."

* For more details about the reserve team vacancy at Coney Hall, contact Chris Tucker on 07944 512 986. 

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