Matty's back

Hale will take over as first-team boss with Tillson acting as his assistant while the future of player-coach Marcus Browning, who still has a year left to run on his current contract, remains undecided.

Hale, who possesses a UEFA A coaching licence, worked as part of the set-up at Blue Square South side Team Bath alongside Tillson last season, and Terras’ chairman Ian Ridley reckons they are the ideal pairing to get life at the Wessex Stadium back on track, following the club’s relegation from the Conference.

He said: “Both Matty and Andy worked in the Conference South last season so they know what it is all about at that level. They also know where to get players, which is very important for us.

“They know how to put a young side together at the right price and we just feel they will be a good team that can help deliver what we are trying to achieve.”

When asked whether Hale’s playing experience with the Terras helped him land the job, Ridley added: “Obviously we are not just going to employ someone because they are a playing legend. Other playing legends also applied for the role and came very close but Matty had the upper hand due to his coaching qualifications and experience.

“Of course it will help that he also knows the club inside-out but that certainly is not the only reason we have opted for him.”

Team Bath resigned from the Blue Square South at the end of last season and with most of their players now free agents the Terras could well be in the market for a few of them.

Ridley said: “The great thing for Matty is that he has a blank canvas. He has seen a lot of players in that league and I am sure there maybe some at Team Bath, who are now free agents, that he may well look to bring in.”

As for Browning’s future, Ridley added: “Matty and I will sit down and talk to Marcus soon, and then go from there.”

Hale becomes the Terras’ sixth boss in 28 months, following in the footsteps of Garry Hill, Jason Tindall, John Hollins, Alan Lewer and Bobby Gould.