Eastbourne Borough turn to experienced manager Steve King in survival bid

Eastbourne Borough have appointed experienced Non-League manager Steve King as their new boss as the club attempts to preserve their National League South status.

The Sports confirmed on Monday morning that King has taken charge with immediate effect following the recent departure of Tommy Widdrington last month, with the club currently rooted to the bottom of the National League South table.

King arrives at Borough with just nine games remaining to try and bridge the gap to safety in the closing weeks of the campaign

Following Robbie Blake’s interim reign, the club picked up six points but still remains three points from escaping the relegation zone.

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Experience

A statement from the club confirmed: “Eastbourne Borough Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve King as permanent first team manager, with immediate effect.

“Steve needs little introduction to those who know non-league football.

“His experience, deep understanding of the game at this level, and longstanding desire to manage Borough made him the natural choice at this stage of the season.

“We are confident he gives us the best possible opportunity to secure our National League South status.

“Steve begins work straight away with players and staff ahead of tomorrow evening’s fixture against Ebbsfleet United.

“We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to Robbie Blake, who secured six vital points during his time as interim manager and served the club with professionalism and dedication throughout.

“Robbie returns to his role as first team coach, and his contribution will not be forgotten.

“To our supporters, your backing has never mattered more. We look forward to seeing everyone behind the team as we face the final weeks of the season together.”

Right opportunity

For King, the appointment marks a return to the dugout after nearly 18 months away – and one he admits has been a long time coming at Eastbourne.

“I think it’s been long overdue – some would say years,” he said in his first interview with the club.

“I’m familiar with the place. I’ve lived in the town [for] 20 years. So yeah, it’s a good set-up.”

The local and highly experienced boss has spent the past few months watching games across the Non-League pyramid while waiting for the right opportunity to return to management.

“I’ve been doing it for 25 years and just felt I wanted a little break,” King explained on his recent absence from management.

“I could have gone back in a number of times this season, but I felt I was waiting for the right opportunity – the right club.

“I’ve probably been to 100 games at different levels just looking at players, studying things and keeping my black book going, as they say.”

Tough task ahead

But now he steps into the role with Borough facing an uphill battle to remain in the division, with several teams around them holding games in hand.

He was quick to acknowledge the challenge ahead but insisted he would do everything possible to keep the club in the National League South, starting with a trip to Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night.

“It’s a tough, tough, tough gig,” he admitted. “The biggest thing is not the points, it’s the games that have already been played.

“I’m going to do my utmost to try and keep Eastbourne in the division. That’s the plan for everybody.

“But we’re reliant on a lot of things and other teams because some have two, three or four games in hand on us. That means us winning a lot of games between now and the end of the season.”

READ MORE: Eastbourne Borough considering part-time football after Tommy Widdrington exit