Hampton to open contract talks with boss Devonshire (From Surrey Comet)

Hampton to open contract talks with boss Devonshire

8:30am Monday 8th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Hampton & Richmond Borough chairman Steve McPherson has pledged to open talks with boss Alan Devonshire over a new contract before the start of the coming campaign.

The Beveree chief has one more year to run on his current deal and has overseen a period of unprecedented success in the club’s history - reaching the Blue Square South play-off final in each of his last two season’s in charge.

Devonshire has largely worked on a shoestring budget during his tenure - which saw him collect the Ryman League Premier Division title in 2007 - bringing him to the attention of clubs elsewhere.

The former West Ham United legend has never suggested he is about to walk out on Hampton, but McPherson admits he would rather have the manager’s future sewn up sooner rather than later.

“We’ll be talking to Alan before the start of the season with the aim of getting something agreed by then. I want to have it all signed by Christmas at the very latest,” he said.

“I have no doubt the club wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for Alan.

“I am not naive to the fact other clubs would be interesting in acquiring his services and we must make sure we give him the support he needs to continue his success.”

Meanwhile, Devonshire has revealed if he lands the three targets he wants to bring to the club this summer it could mean saying goodbye to some of last season’s campaigners.

Matt Lovett, Dean Wells, Barrie Matthews, Ian Hodges, Lawrence Yaku, Francis Quarm, Orlando Jeffrey and John Scarborough have all committed to another season at the Beveree.

And Devonshire is hunting at least one striker but is keeping his cards close to his chest until he has his men he wants on board.

“If I get the players in I want then a few people will have to leave because we simply cannot afford to keep them,” he added.

“There are a couple of boys from the lower leagues I’m looking at, who I think have potential and there is one other - a striker - I’d like to get and that should happen in the next couple of weeks.

“If that happens I know who will be leaving but I won’t say until the deals are done.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)