FOOTBALL: Matthews is new Rustington boss

RUSTINGTON have named Peter Matthews their new first-team manager. The 49-year-old, who has spent the best part of the last two years managing Arundel Reserves, has taken over from Gareth Davies, who stepped down at the end of the season.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th May 2009, 15:12 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:18 BST

Matthews said: "I would like to thank the chairman and all at Rustington for giving me this great opportunity.

"It is a very difficult act to follow, as Gareth has done a superb job, but it's a challenge I am extremely excited about."

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Before taking over at Arundel Reserves, where he worked very closely with first-team manager Richard Towers, Matthews spent two years with the club's youth section, during which time he won the County League West Division and the Youth Section Cup.

He also spent a brief period as East Preston assistant manager last season, but decided the role was not something that suited him.

Matthews plans to move forward with the current side with the aid of bringing in a few players and utilising Rustington's promising youth talent.

He said: "My first priority and major task will be to try to keep the existing squad together, as I'm fully aware that the success to date has been achieved on the back of a great team spirit and camaraderie.

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"Obviously, if I can improve the squad I will. However, I'm a great believer in promoting from within and giving young players a chance, and I know Rustington have a good reserve and youth set-up.

"With so many sides locally in the same division, it should be an extremely competitive league.

"However, if I can maintain the momentum achieved so far at the club, and maybe add some trophies, then all well and good."

Blues chairman John Virgoe said: "Peter will fit in nicely with what we have here at Rustington.

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"I have known him for a long time and he is the man to take us on a bit further as a club.

"He has a huge act to follow but his good ideas are just what we need."

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Related topics:RustingtonFootballRichard TowersEast Preston