TERRY SPILLANE has taken over as the new manager of Ryman North side Aveley – four-and-a-half years after “regretting” turning down the job.
The Millers were rocked last week by the shock announcement that boss Justin Gardner had stepped down despite the club flying high in the Step 4 league.
Gardner had been in charge at Mill Field for four years but brought an end to his reign for “personal reasons”.
The Essex club didn’t have to wait long to reveal their new boss, Spillane taking over after leaving Thamesmead Town at the end of last season.
The experienced boss previously led Stansted to the Essex Senior League title, took Redbridge to the FA Cup second round and guided Maldon & Tiptree to the Ryman North play-off final.
Spillane takes charge of an Aveley side currently sitting fourth in the league with six wins from their 12 league games so far.
And with the club’s new ground, recently named Parkside, due to be ready for the start of next season, there is plenty for the Millers, and their new boss, to look forward to.
Spillane told Aveley’s website: “I’ve not had many regrets in football, but after I left Redbridge about four-and-a-half years ago, I got offered the Aveley job after meeting the chairman but in the end I went with my heart and joined Maldon & Tiptree but I always had that little doubt.
“I’ve known Craig (Johnson, secretary) for a long time, and with the new ground coming it’s exciting times to be at the football club.
“After leaving Thamesmead I’ve been out for a few months and watched a lot of games in the Ryman Leagues, and Justin going has really given me an opportunity to do something at Aveley. The club is going places and sometimes it’s just all about timing.
“I think everyone was rather shocked that Justin left the club but the opportunity was there and I jumped at the chance, and after an interview it was great to be offered the job.
“There isn’t any pressure really on me, but I like to put pressure on myself, I hate losing, and I like winning.
“I really did have a great time at Maldon & Tiptree and Thamesmead Town, take nothing away from them, but I’ve always wanted to join Aveley, and I’m happy I now have.”
