Tucker delighted to make Rustington return

Jon Tucker is back as manager at Rustington four years after leaving the club. Picture: Liz Pearce LP160814

Tucker was manager of Blues from October, 2011, until April, 2012, before he took charge at Wick. A spell at Pagham then followed, before he returned to Wick last season as joint manager with Richard Towers and then took sole charge this summer.

However, Tucker said work commitments meant he was unable to give the role at Wick as much time as he wanted and that was why he stepped down as manager last month.

He had not planned to return to management quite this soon but said: “I couldn’t commit to Wick the way I wanted as I’ve just got a new job which is taking up a lot of my time.

“It was full on, with matches on Saturday and Tuesday and training on a Thursday and you’re dealing with good players who want to progress their careers and play in a higher level as well.

“It was taking up too much time, for example a few weeks ago we played away to Hailsham on a Tuesday evening, with a 7.15pm kick-off. I had to leave work at 4pm, didn’t get home until midnight and then had work the next day.

“Then you’re having players phone you on other days asking why they’re not in the team and I just felt it was the right decision for me and Wick that I stepped down.

“Lee Baldwin, who’s a good mate of mine, has now taken over at Wick and he reminds me of how I was five years ago with lots of enthusiasm.

“I thought a break from the game would be good but I’ve recently moved to Rustington, went along to one of their games, chatted to a few people and decided to come back.

“It’s a fantastic club and this job won’t take up as much of my time as Wick did. For example, we won’t have any midweek games now and will go down to training once a week in a few weeks.

“Trevor (Waller; Rustington chairman) says there’s no pressure on me and the main thing we’ll look to do is stay up now. The club is second from bottom, hasn’t won a game and have scored only three goals but I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a new challenge for me and keeps me involved in the game. I’m still very ambitious and want to manage at a higher level again but right now my focus is on Rustington and it’s great to be back.”