Eastbourne Borough FC - The Sports

Tommy boasts a wealth of experience as a player, coach and manager with both professional and non-league clubs.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he saw action as a player from the Premiership right through to the Football Conference.

Making his Southampton debut at age 19 in 1990, Tommy remained with 'The Saints', making 75 appearances. He spent a loan period at Wigan Athletic before moves to Grimsby Town (1996-99, 89 apps), Port Vale (1999-2001, 82 apps), Hartlepool United (2001-2003, 56 apps) and Macclesfield Town (2003-2005, 58 apps), with a brief return to Port Vale before joining Salisbury City.

His capture by City manager Nick Holmes proved to be an important factor in the clubs successful climb from the Southern League to the Blue Square Premier. After a role as player-coach Tommy was promoted to manager in 2009 with considerable success, despite Salisbury being deducted 14 points as the club went through financial difficulties. Without such a points deduction City would have finished in 6th position.

His coaching and managerial prowess was recognised by Southend United, where he became assistant manager to Paul Sturrock. Prior to Christmas 2011 Tommy took over as manager at Hemel Hempstead Town (Southern Premier) where he has lifted the fortunes of 'The Tudors', who were in the basement and have moved up the table towards safety. It must be hoped that he can repeat the feat at Priory Lane in the coming months.

Borough Chairman Len Smith introduced the new boss to the club's CIC Directors, Football Committee, skipper Ben Austin and Reserve Team manager Shaun Harper this evening. Tommy will take his first training session on Thursday evening before taking control of his first game on Saturday at Sutton United.

Tommy commented "I am delighted to come to Eastbourne Borough and join a club that has such a good reputation. I am looking forward to being part of another succesful era for the Borough team".

Tommy will be joined by coach Alan Kimble who made over 200 appearances for Wimbledon FC between 1993 and 2002. He began his career with Charlton Athletic and includes Cambridge United (299 apps), Luton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge amongst his clubs. He was also assistant manager to Liam Daish at Gravesend & Northfleet and manager at Aveley (Rymans Premier).

Len Smith reported that the club has carried out a thorough and diligent review of all applications and hopes that the new managerial duo will boost the Borough side in the battle for Blue Square South survival, with continued progress over the coming years.