Tucker back at Wick as joint boss with Towers

The former Wick boss, who guided them to promotion from Sussex County League Division 2 last season, left his role in the summer to take over at Pagham.

However, last month Tucker was sacked after just six months in charge of the Lions. His break from the game has been brief, though, after he accepted the role as joint manager of Wick last week.

Tucker will work alongside current boss Richard Towers as they look to climb up the Premier Division table.

Wick currently sit fourth-from-bottom in the table, having collected just 12 points from 21 league games this season.

Tucker’s return should give everyone at the club a lift and joint boss Towers revealed how he got in contact with the former manager after learning of his sacking

He said: “As soon as I heard of Jon’s sacking, I had a chat with the chairman about trying to get him back involved at the club.

“Once I went to Peter (Whittle), I then arranged to meet with Jon and he agreed to come back in a joint manager’s role.

“I think it’s going to be really beneficial for this club to have him back. He did a great job here last year and then moved on to Pagham.

“I felt he was a little harshly treated at Pagham but we are all pleased to have him back now.

“I’ve known Jon for quite a while and I believe he is a good young manager.

“He has got a little bit of experience and I believe we will work well together.

“We’ve got a good coaching staff here now with myself and Jon as joint bosses, while Daren Pearce, Wesley Hallett and Andy Bell are in coaching roles.

“It’s a good team we’ve got together here now and I’m hopeful we can pick up some positive results in the coming games.

“Another factor in getting Jon back was also to try to get some new players to come and join us.

“He had a good team here last season and I’m hopeful he can bring some of those players back.

“I’m getting on a little bit now, so I’m hoping to hand some of my knowledge on to Jon and for him to learn a little from me.

“He is the future of this football club and it’s great to have him back involved here.

“He’s a great guy who played at a decent level himself and I believe this will work well for all involved.”

After guiding Wick to a third-placed finish and promotion last season, Tucker decided to take the role as manager of rivals Pagham.

When he took charge, a three-year project was to get the Lions into the Ryman League. However, poor recent form saw him sacked after just six months in the job.

Wick chairman Whittle feels Pagham’s loss will be his side’s gain and said: “We’re delighted to have Jon back with the club.

“Myself, Richard and Wesley met with him last week and he’s decided to take up a role as joint manager.

“It’s a nice mix of young and old with him and Richard. I’m just hoping he will be able to add something fresh to the side. Hopefully he and Richard will hit the ground running and we can begin to move up the league table.”

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