Bexhill appoint Podmore and Parris as joint managers

THERE has been a dramatic and unexpected twist to Bexhill United’s search for a new manager.

Paul Tuppenney looked as though he would be returning as boss only to have a change of heart and turn the job down.

As a result the Sussex Division Two outfit have wasted little time installing Jamie Podmore and Darrol Parris - who were in charge of the reserves at neighbouring Sidley United - as joint managers.

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“Paul Tuppenney did not accept the club’s offer of being manager for next season due to family reasons,” said Bexhill chairman Robin Powell who went on to say how delighted he was with the new appointments. “It’s an excellent choice.”

Tuppenney was handed the reins for a second time on Sunday, last week, but while on a week’s holiday he decided he could not commit fully to the demanding and time-consuming role of managing a County League football team.

“I’m 40 and I’ve played senior football most of my life and it’s time to put my family first,” he said.

Prior to Tuppenney’s U-turn, it looked as though Podmore would be continuing the good work he had started last season while in charge of the reserves at Sidley, alongside Lawrence Brand.

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The Blues’ second string were crowned champions in Reserve Section (East) and also reached the semi-finals of two cup competitions.

Podmore, 33, made his name as an accomplished defender with Westfield, Sidley United and Rye United but it is at The Parish Field where he is probably most fondly remembered, playing more than 300 games during three spells.

Forty-year-old Parris, who was only recently appointed joint manager of Sidley reserves after Brand stepped down, was a prolific striker who numbered Hastings United (then called Town), Lewes, St Leonards and Westfield among his clubs.