Tucker's buzzing to be back at Wick

Tucker has returned to the club as joint manager with Richard Towers, after he was sacked as Pagham boss last month, following just six months in charge.

Last season, Tucker guided Wick to promotion from Sussex County League Division 2 and to the Division 2 Cup final in what was his third season in charge at the club.

He then took over at Pagham in the summer but was sacked after a run of two wins in ten league matches.

Wick quickly got in touch with Tucker and, after a meeting with Towers, chairman Peter Whittle and assistant manager Wes Hallett, Tucker agreed to return to the club.

Wick are fourth from bottom in the Southern Combination League Premier Division and Tucker says the only target this season is to remain in the division.

He said: “I’m buzzing to be back and it wasn’t something I expected.

“I got a call and sat down with Richie, Peter and Wes and pretty much made my mind up within a couple of hours to come back.

“The club is going in the right direction now and it has changed a lot in the six months I wasn’t here, with work that has been done on the bar, changing rooms and the facilities.

“I’m looking forward to it and to working with Richie and the coaching staff of Daren Pearce, Andy Bell and Wes. Between the five of us, we’ll get it right.

“The number one goal is to keep the club in the Premier Division, that’s our only objective this season.

“They have been struggling this season but Richie has tried to steady the ship after he took over from John Suter.

“Hopefully, I can bring a few players back who have played for me before and make a few other additions as well. Plus, with Richie’s experience and the players we’ve got here already, I’m sure we’ll pull through.”

On his departure from Pagham, Tucker said: “I learned a lot in my six months there. What happened has happened and I’m looking forward to getting started with Wick again now.

“I wouldn’t have had the chance to manage at Pagham if it wasn’t for my time at Wick, after they brought me over from Rustington.

“In my first season, we nearly got relegated but I came on and scored the winner which kept us up. Then we had the merger with Barnham, before we got promoted in my third season and also reached a cup final.

“I have a lot of fond memories from my first time, so it’s great to be back.

“This is going to be a long-term project and I’m sure this chairman will keep to his word as exciting times are ahead.

“Richie and I just want to keep the club up this season and then we can sit down in the summer and set realistic targets for next season.”

Tucker’s first game as joint manager back at Wick will be at home to Newhaven on Saturday.

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