Thomas takes on the Hampton job as Beavers bring in new manager

Hampton & RB have appointed Alan Dowson’s successor with Richard Thomas selected to take the club forward.

The Beavers are in the Enterprise National League South bottom four after a challenging first three months of the season.

The former Luton Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester United and Notts County coach was the “preferred candidate after a comprehensive search for a manager who could achieve both near- and long-term success”.

The south west London club have taken ten points from 16 matches and are without a win in eight.

Thomas will take charge for the first time on Saturday when Hampton travel to Weymouth in the FA Trophy.

The new head coach said: “I’m feeling very excited and am looking forward to it. I’m really excited to get back out on the grass and see what we can achieve here because it looks like an unbelievable opportunity.”

Chairman Ben Hudson told the club’s website: “We were clear from the outset that this appointment had to be about finding the right individual to take the club forward and help us build on and off the pitch.

“Richard was hugely impressive throughout the interview process and was the unanimous choice of the board, the owners, and our football leadership.

“His knowledge of the game, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and clear vision for how he wants his teams to play really stood out.

“He demonstrated a genuine understanding of what we are trying to achieve at Hampton & Richmond Borough, and his ambition and determination to succeed left us in no doubt that he was the right person for the role.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Lennie Lawrence for stepping in during the interim period. His experience, professionalism and support over the past few weeks have been invaluable, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution.”