FOOTBALL: Arundel name Wheatcroft their new boss

Wheatcroft, who is in his early 50s, comes to the club with an impressive CV which includes playing for Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournmouth, as well as playing with Ruud Gullit in the Netherlands.

In the late 1970s he was at Portsmouth, after a stint at Southampton, before spending time in Holland in 1981 for Haarlen FC, where he played with ex-Chelsea star Gullit.

His County League success started in 1980 where he won Division 1 with Chichester, before claiming a Division 2 league and cup double with Selsey in the late 80s.

More recently, he has been coaching sides over in America, in Seattle, while also working with Portsmouth and Southampton in the community programmes.

Wheatcroft replaces Richard Towers, who left the club last week, citing he felt he had gone as far as he could with them, after four seasons, which saw two third-places and a second-place finish.

Mullets chairman Bob Marchant was delighted with the appointment, after whittling down Wheatcroft from eight applicants, and is looking forward to working with the new boss.

He said: "Gary was probably the most qualified and the guy I was most comfortable with. I can see myself working very well with him.

"He had a very impressive list of references and we've spoken at least three or four times, where I saw a number of good ideas that he has.

"I'm really looking forward to the season again now, after Richard left it was a real kick in the teeth and a shock, and I thought about jacking it in myself."

Wheatcroft is looking to retain a number of players and staff from last season, as well as adding a few players with an aim to put right Mullets' 12th-placed finish in Division 1 last term.

Marchant added: "Gary believes we under-achieved last year and wants to find out why, as he thinks we have the squad to really compete.

"I haven't set a target, I don't do that.

"I am never too optimistic so I'm never too disappointed, although I am often then, very pleased.

"We don't pay a load of money here, we give the lads a few quid to cover their petrol, so I don't expect too much.

"If I was putting loads of money in, I'd want a return, but I'm satisfied with just being competitive and enjoying it – maybe a top six finish and a nice cup run."

Arundel will give the opportunity for players, both new and old, staff and supporters to come and meet the new manager at the club, in Mill Road, for a barbecue on Sunday at 12.30pm.

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