Terrors old boys so grateful to Billy (From Your Local Guardian)

Terrors old boys so grateful to Billy

6:50am Tuesday 20th July 2010 in

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Two of Tooting & Mitcham's departing squad have paid tribute to their retiring management team.

Simon Parker and Andrew Howell have confirmed they won't be returning to Imperial Fields following the departure of veteran boss Billy Smith and his assistant George Wakeling at the end of last season.

Tooting reached the first round of the FA Cup last season as well as finishing mid-table in the Ryman Premier League, having flirted with the play-offs for most of the campaign.

“I have never enjoyed a season as much,” said 30-year-old Parker.

“To play under the duo of Bill and George was an honour, and it was disappointing when we all found out the news that they were leaving the club.”

Hotel porter Howell felt that Smith was effectively “forced out” when told he would have to cut playing costs by 40 per cent.

“I enjoyed last season a lot but felt that, with the budget being offered, Billy had no choice but to leave the club,” said the 21-year-old left-back.

“Everyone enjoyed Billy's presence and he always ensured that all the squad got on well.”

“The fans were really good to me so for I wish them well in the future.”

He added that new boss Mark Beard, the former Southend United midfielder who replaced Smith as boss, made it clear that Howell no longer featured in his plans.

Howell, a Stansted-based hotel porter, had one conversation with Beard, but says any hopes of returning to Tooting were scuppered when he was not asked to attend pre-season training. He had a trial at Ryman Premier League rivals Aveley last week.

It was Parker's decision not to return to Tooting with the teacher about to relocate to Manchester.