Frank Wilson on his Tooting & Mitcham exit

By Richard Cawley

Frank Wilson has described his Tooting & Mitcham exit as being on “amicable terms” – and reckons he did everything in his power to retain Bostik League Premier Division status.

The Terrors finished bottom of the table and will play in South Central in the 2018-19 campaign.

Wilson won Division One South last season to take Tooting back up. And the South London club also bagged the London Senior Cup in May 2016.

“I intended to stay on – if the circumstances were right,” said Wilson. “But I also understood, due to us not performing to the chairman’s wishes last season, there was always a possibility of it basically changing the direction he was heading into the new season.

“I had a very honest conversation with him and we both felt it would be better for me to move on.

“I always had the backing of the chairman but with one or two other people involved, it was not just completely his agenda anymore. 

“The three years have been a bit of rollercoaster. As much as I’d have loved to stay, certain things would have had to happen. It was an amicable step down and makes it easy for him to make adjustments.

“It gives me the opportunity to pursue something new without there being a falling out. The most important thing is the amicable and respectful way it was done.

“I leave with a smile on my face. I know that sounds a bit daft, but I have met so many good people and I got given this opportunity as my first senior job. I’ve got no complaints. I gave everything – my absolute, honest best. There was nothing half-hearted about it. I put my heart and soul into it. I know everyone says that, but I truly, truly mean that.”