Trams boss explains sudden exit (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Trams boss explains sudden exit

11:19am Wednesday 10th June 2009 in

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Former Croydon FC manager Tony Beckingham says leaving the Arena to take over at Lingfield was one of the toughest choices of his life.

The former Holmesdale manager shocked the Trams on Friday by announcing he was leaving to take over the manager's job at the Sussex County League side just five months after taking over the hot seat at Croydon.

In that time he led the Trams to a respectable ninth-placed finish in the Kent League and secured them League Cup glory for the first time, success that he says made it hard to leave.

"It was one of hardest decisions I have ever had to make," he said.

"We had done very well and it was a very difficult decision but I deliberated about it and decided it was the right move for me at this time.

"I felt this was a good opportunity, Lingfield have got ambition to progress and a lot of it was to do with a friend I have involved with the club."

Beckingham was Croydon's fourth manager last season after Mark Tompkins, Dave Leworthy and chairman Dickson Gill, who Beckingham says he is still on good terms with.

He said: We are absolutely fine.

"I explained my decision to him on the phone and sent an email to confirm my reasons and what I was doing so I think we are on good terms.

"it's not in my plans at the moment to go back there for players, Lingfield had a good season last year and have a good squad but I am not going to say it won't happen."