Tooting & Mitcham make backroom changes after losing Isthmian League status

Tooting & Mitcham have appointed Jamie Byatt as manager as they gear up for life outside the Isthmian League.

The Terrors were relegated from the South Central Division in April.

Ashley Bosah announced he was stepping down as boss but will remain on the club’s payroll as technical director.

Byatt is a former Tooting midfielder. He said: “I’m excited to have been given this opportunity to become first- team manager of Tooting & Mitcham United FC and I’m looking forward to getting started again at this fantastic club.

“Our priority is to get the club pushing forward.”

Byatt will be assisted by John O’Connor, who had five years as a player at Tooting Bec and helped them win promotion to the Combined Counties League.

O’Connor said: “I am privileged, honoured and excited to become part of this hugely historical club.

“I will give Tooting and Mitcham United Football Club, Jamie, the fans and everyone else involved with this great club my full passion and heart from the off.

“If you play football with passion, bravery and excitement then great things happen. That ingredient creates the 12th man, the fans.”

Mark Hams, another ex-Tooting player, is the new head coach.

He had a spell as Walton & Hersham manager as well as stints with Kingstonian and Leatherhead.

“Jamie is quite rightly a household name in the area and someone I’ve worked with before, the fire in his belly is something I’ve always admired,” said Hams.