Tanner wants to bring the feel-good vibe back to Tooting & Mitcham

New man in charge: Craig Tanner in action for Met Police last season

10:00am Wednesday 19th June 2013

Craig Tanner wants to bring the feel-good vibe back to Tooting & Mitcham after being named as manager. The 27-year-old began his playing career at the Terrors and was their youngest ever captain at 18, but after spells at Sutton United, Hampton & Richmond and Met Police, he was forced to retire in December due to a long-standing knee problem. But now he has taken his first steps into management with the Terrors, taking them over after a season of turmoil that saw three managers and a flirtation with relegation before a 16th-place finish in Ryman Division One South. A potential takeover did not materialise this summer and a sense of gloom had descended on Imperial Fields – one that Tanner is determined to lift. “I think there is great potential at Tooting & Mitcham – the club is a sleeping giant,” he said. “They have the facilities and the academy is doing well so we can use that, get the academy players in pre-season training and get the club feeling back. “If we get the team staying after games and organise regular events where supporters and players can mix together with friends and family then we can bring that feeling back. “It is what I experienced when I was at the club and I know it works well as I have had it at other clubs too. “At Hampton, all the players’ family and friends would be there and it really built the atmosphere up. “But this is a long term rather than short-term fix.” Despite his age and lack of managerial experience, Tanner, a PE teacher, is confident his recent knowledge of the Ryman Leagues and those that play in it will help bring back the glory days. “My age will probably raise a few eyebrows but the players that have played with me and against me know I have always had this about me,” he added. “I have been captain at quite a few of the clubs I have been at and, hopefully, I can transfer those skills to the dressing room. “I have known managers that like to scream and shout and that’s not me, I would like to think I will be pretty laid back but it will depend on the situation. “I have experienced a lot of different managers and different players and I have learned a lot from them over the years.”

Supporters form breakaway Tooting & Mitcham club

In charge: Danny Lee, pictured when caretaker manager of Tooting & Mitcham in 2010, is the manager of new team Tooting & Mitcham Wanderers

10:03am Tuesday 18th June 2013

Disgruntled former Tooting & Mitcham employees and supporters have decided they have had enough of the off-field shenanigans at the Terrors and set up their own rival team.

Craig Tanner named new Tooting & Mitcham manager

Full circle: A young Craig Tanner, left, playing for Tooting & Mitcham in 2006

10:27am Thursday 13th June 2013

Tooting & Mitcham have announced Craig Tanner as their new manager. Tanner came through the youth ranks at the Terrors before moving on to play for Sutton United, Hampton & Richmond, Carshalton Athletic and Metropolitan Police - where a knee injury ended his player career.

Terrors saga deepens as chairman steps down

In limbo: Tooting & Mitcham manager Phil Simpson is still waiting to know if he will be in charge next season

10:29am Wednesday 12th June 2013

The future of Tooting & Mitcham has been thrown further into doubt after Bill Hill resigned as chairman.

Future still unclear for Tooting & Mitcham

Looking for answers: Interim manager Phil Simpson has no idea if he will be in charge of Tooting & Mitcham next season. SP73098

1:11pm Monday 13th May 2013

Phil Simpson is still in the dark over his future at Tooting & Mitcham, with the club yet to make any plans for next season.

Tooting and Mitcham fans take on players in charity cup match

green WIMB: Fans play against their heroes in charity cup match

6:30am Friday 10th May 2013

Fans played their on field heroes as Tooting & Mitcham football club hosted the inaugural Jayne Bullock and Dave Howe Memorial Cup.

Terrors Hall puts poor season down to too many management changes too fast

Too hasty: Lee Hall says the managers given the Tooting & Mitcham job were not given enough time to settle in     SP73100

3:00pm Wednesday 1st May 2013

Tooting & Mitcham midfielder Lee Hall said the club’s season has been blighted by a board that was took quick to show managers the door.

Simpson would love a full season at Tooting & Mitcham

Take off: Tooting's Sol Pinnock takes evasive action to avoid Casuals' Joe Hicks

11:28am Wednesday 17th April 2013

Phil Simpson is already making preparations for next season at Tooting & Mitcham despite not knowing whether he will still be the manager.

Lawrence tells Terrors to keep calm and win

Experienced man: Jamie Lawrence for Tooting & Mitcham against Walton & Hersham

5:11pm Tuesday 9th April 2013

Jamie Lawrence wants everyone around Tooting & Mitcham to stay calm as they strive to guarantee Ryman Division One South safety.

Crunch time for freefalling Terrors

Despair: Tooting go 2-0 down against Dulwich on Saturday. SP73100

8:00am Wednesday 3rd April 2013

Phil Simpson has labelled this Saturday’s match at home to Walton & Hersham a must-win game if Tooting & Mitcham are to avoid an end of season relegation struggle.




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