Kingston Guardian Sport: Football news in Kingston south west London and Surrey

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

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.”

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Dons face Torquay away in 2013 league season opener

9:49am Wednesday 19th June 2013

AFC Wimbledon will start life in the new League Two season clocking up the miles with two quick-fire trips to the West Country.

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Palace kick off Premier League season with Spurs at home

9:00am Wednesday 19th June 2013

Crystal Palace will face Tottenham Hotspur at home on the opening game of the season after the Premier League fixtures were announced today.

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Brentford kick off new football season with Port Vale away

9:35am Wednesday 19th June 2013

Brentford will square up to two new arrivals when the League One fun starts on August 3. Read the Bees' full fixtures for next season here.

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Palace training ground for sale at auction

7:00am Wednesday 19th June 2013

The freehold to Crystal Palace's training ground is to go under the hammer next month in the search for new owners.

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Palace closing in on winger Jerome Thomas

3:25pm Tuesday 18th June 2013

Jerome Thomas is set to become Crystal Palace's first signing of the summer as they begin to build for the Premier League.

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Brother of Wilfried Zaha evicted from New Addington home after 'hammer threat'

5:00pm Tuesday 18th June 2013

The brother of former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has been evicted from his flat after a string of accusations about anti-social behaviour, including threatening a housing warden with a hammer.

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Supporters form breakaway Tooting & Mitcham club

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.

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Palace fans put rivalry aside to cycle for Brighton charity

3:00pm Monday 17th June 2013

A group of Palace fans are putting club rivalry aside to raise money for charity later this year.

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All of the Time: Do you remember first time Palace were in the Premier League?

11:00am Monday 17th June 2013

Since the English top flight because the Premier League in 1992, Crystal Palace have featured in the division four times.

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