United narrow search for boss
Stand-in boss Lewis rules himself out of the running
The club then hope to have their man in place by early November, allowing temporary boss Tristan Lewis to return to his director of football duties.
Lewis had led United to four points out of six and so nearly a maximum return, since taking the reins just over a week ago, but has ruled himself out of the running.
Chairman Tony O’Driscoll said: “It hasn’t moved on an awful lot because I’ve been busy with outside work, but I’m hoping to speak to the two names we want to speak to this week. They’re both currently in jobs, which means it could take a little longer, but we’d rather wait and get the right man in. I promised Tristan it wouldn’t be more than three weeks and he’s happy with that.”
Lewis led United to a 1-0 win over St Ives Town in his first match back in charge last Tuesday, Olu Durojaiye scoring the only goal of the game from he penalty spot.
He then looked set for another three points on Saturday when United led 2-1 going into the last minute at Kings Lynn Town, through strikes from recent signings Tom Gilbey and Jerson Dos Santos, but were pegged back to 2-2 with a goal right at the death.
O’Driscoll said: “Saturday was very frustrating as it was only a slip by one of our defenders which let them in right at the end, but we have seen over the past week that Tristan is mor more than capable of doing the job at the moment.”
Dos Santos, who made his debut against St Ives Ives, having signed from Sev Sevenoaks Town, looks a fine prospect after scoring asa superb goal at Kings Lyn Lynn. The 25 year old win winger/striker has also pla played for Grays Athletic, Sta Staines Town and Sutton Un United, as well as two spe spells playing in Iceland.
H He has been follow lowed in by former Ch Cheltenham midfielder Ja James McCarthy, who jo joins from Kidlington, bu but one-time Reading favo vourite James Harper has l left the club to sign for Hungerford Town. studying in Britain, made an instant impact by placing third overall, and first U23, in a time of 15:44 mins, while GB U23 international Grant Underwood came ninth overall and second U23 in 16:44.
James Reed (19:23) was 20th overall and fourth master over 35, while 13-year-old Joel Gunnery
O’Driscoll added: “There will be more players coming in as well, as part of the problem we’ve had this season is the ones we’ve had haven’t been good enough, and
eH that’s why we are where we are. (19:48), entering only his second wild water race, was 22nd overall and third U16 paddler.
Team manager Neal Underwood said: “Having Alistair racing for us shows our ambition to be the best. We now have two international racers in our team and that is great, not just for results, but it also helps bring in younger j D
“We will keep adding players until we’re happy.”
United host Cirencester Town at Uxbridge FC this Saturday before travelling to Weymouth three days later. paddlers like Joel, who have someone to learn from.
“It also shows that we are regarded as a club worth paddling for.
“We need more paddlers coming through to race at entry level and I am confident that we will have a very large and successful team over the next few months.”