By Rob Johnston
BILLERICAY TOWN‘S big-spending new owner Glenn Tamplin has admitted his frustration at the start the team have made since his takeover two months ago.
Despite a raft of new signings, the Essex-based Ryman Premier League club have won just seven of their last 22 games, but Tamplin is convinced the changes he is putting in place will lead to long-term success.
Investment
“At the moment, I’m a very frustrated individual,” Tamplin told The NLP. “What I do enjoy is the fans, I enjoy mixing with them but it’s very difficult to watch what’s going on on the pitch at the moment. But nothing good comes easy.
“We are going to get to the National League, there’s no doubt about it. The team I am building, I know, will smash the league next year.”
That is quite a claim from a side currently sitting 12th in the table but Tamplin, a successful businessman who made his money in steel, is not shy about making such public pronouncements.
Depending on your view, that is either a sign of confidence or arrogance but his enthusiasm and passion are undoubted and there is a real sense of excitement around the club.
Already, there has been investment in the team and facilities. Eight players have been brought in including striker Chris Assombalonga from Dagenham and Redbridge and centre-back Rob Swaine from Bromley.
“The financial commitment I’ve made is huge,” Tamplin added. “You have to do what you say you’ll do because the fans deserve that.
“I think we are already up to £9,000 a week in wages. For a Ryman League club that’s horrendous, but for me this is a team that cannot only win the Ryman next year, but can go and win the National League South. That’s why everyone I have signed has been on a two or three-year contract. We are signing some big players.”
Tamplin is aware of the accusation from some, perhaps driven by jealousy, that Billericay is his short-term plaything.
“It comes with the territory,” he said. “There are so many stories of people going in to clubs with money, throws it at the club for two or three years, gets bored and moves on, leaving the club in a mess.
“For me, this is a long-term plan, I have five kids and I want this club to be a family legacy. This is a serious business and a serious club.”
Mindset
With Tamplin’s obvious ambition, results have to improve. For now, manager Craig Edwards, who has been in charge for eight years, has his owner’s support.
“Craig’s been given 18 months to prove himself,” he said. “ I believe he’s the right man for the job, but if that team doesn’t win the league next season unfortunately Craig would have to be changed, but he’s said that himself anyway. I hope that doesn’t happen.”
Despite the poor results, there is a definite buzz around the town with attendances already up.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support and backing that I have been given by the supporters,” Tamplin continued. “I was close to taking over Dagenham and I experienced a very different mindset there. I came to Billericay and they have been amazing.”
