(Sacked boss Gary Alexander)
Tommy Warrilow is the new manager of Ashford United after Gary Alexander was surprisingly sacked on Saturday night by TEXT MESSAGE!
Ex-Millwall, Brentford and Leyton Orient striker Alexander discovered his fate while lying in bed at 10,20pm on Saturday – just hours after leading his side to a 4-1 victory over Herne Bay in Bostik Division One South.
Assistant manager John Mackie and physio Huseyin Torgut were also let go with the club lying seventh in the table, just outside the play-off places.
Alexander tweeted: “Sacked at 1020 whilst lying in bed over a text. Good luck @AshfordUnitedFC and @AUFC Fans It's been pleasure.”
Speaking of Alexander's departure, chairman Derek Pestridge and the board of directors said in a statement: “This decision has been made in the best interests of the club. We would like to thank Gary, John and Hus for their efforts this season.
“The club now invites any interested applicants to get in touch. We will be making no further comment until we reach a decision on Gary's replacement.”
Warrilow, the former Tonbridge Angels, Cray Wanderers and Thamesmead Town manager, was a notable player with the old Ashford Town during his playing career and told how he had contacted Alexander on being appointed on Sunday afternoon.
“As soon as the club contacted me, I spoke to Gary Alexander to discuss the situation and I feel comfortable moving forward,” Warrilow said.
“I would like to thank Don Crosbie and the board of directors for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to building on the position we are in currently and hope to challenge for promotion at the end of the season.
“The chance to manage Ashford was too good to turn down. The club is well respected within Non-League circles and I truly believe that some exciting times are ahead with the project the club has in place to build on and off the field.”
Of Warrilow's appointment, chairman Pestridge added: “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Tommy for agreeing to succeed Gary Alexander as our new manager.
“Tommy is a popular figure, dating back to the Ashford Town days. His name has come up in the past and the demise of Thamesmead Town has allowed us to move quickly to secure his services because many other clubs have also been interested in his services.
“Tommy is impressed by the club's long-term plans for the future. He will be working with the same budget as Gary and like all supporters, I'm excited to see him back at Homelands.
“Tommy has vast experience, a large network of contacts, and, more importantly, is a very respected figure in Kent football circles.”
