Whittle steps down as Wick chairman

Peter Whittle has decided to step down as chairman of Wick Football Club following just over a season in the role.
Wick boss Jon TuckerWick boss Jon Tucker
Wick boss Jon Tucker

Whittle, 52, had just overseen Wick’s decision to go it alone for the new season after breaking away from their merger deal with Barnham.

But just as Wick were about to get under way for pre-season Whittle decided to hand in his resignation and move away from the club.

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Speaking on his decision, he admitted Wick’s long-term ambitions were one of the reasons behind him moving on.

Dan Simmonds has moved on from WickDan Simmonds has moved on from Wick
Dan Simmonds has moved on from Wick

He said: “It’s a real shame that I’ve had to move on but I felt it was the right decision for me.

“I had some aims and ambitions for the now but as a committee and club, they were targeting more longer term.

“I’m not a patient person and I wanted the club to keep moving forward and in the right direction.”

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It’s been a turbulent time for Wick, with their Barnham merger breaking down, leaving returning boss Jon Tucker tasked to go it alone as last year’s joint boss Richard Towers has also moved on.

Following Whittle’s departure, Linda Hallett is currently acting chairman as Wick seek a replacement.

Despite him moving on, Wick’s former chairman hopes they continue to do well in the coming years.

He added: “It was my first role as chairman of any club and it was very time consuming.

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“I’ve got a lot going on with work as well at the minute, so I felt it was the right time for me to step aside.

“I wish Wick all the best in the future and hope they continue to do well.

“I’m going to take a break from the game now but you never know, I may get back involved in some capacity at some point.”

Current boss Tucker admits preparations have been far from ideal ahead of his first season back in sole charge but is hopeful off-the-field issues will have no bearing on his squad.

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He said: “It’s not been the best of summers but my job is to focus getting a team out and winning matches.

“Peter handed in his resignation just before pre-season and I’m sure he had his reasons but we’ve just got to move.”

Tucker has moved quickly to mould a young squad for the upcoming season with Nathan Ediker, Lee Bradshaw, Dale Hayes, Joe Gromett, Sam Garnett and Rob Hutchings all signing.

To add to Wick’s woes, star striker Dan Simmonds will not be re-joining, while Danny and Scott Towers have both moved on.

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Despite those departures, Tucker believes his young squad have the hunger and ability to do well in the Southern Combination League Premier Division this term.

He said: “Losing Dan is a major loss but I’ve looked at bringing in some good, young, hungry players.

“Pre-season has been brilliant so far with all the players working hard and working well together.

“We haven’t got the biggest budget in this league but what we have got is young players wanting to prove themselves in this league and I’m really looking forward to this season.”

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