Tommy Widdrington gives his first interview after leaving Aldershot Town for league below Eastbourne Borough this week.
He expressed surprise at the rapid move from Aldershot, which he left due to needing changes while also drawn to Eastbourne’s long-term project, having previously managed the club for five years and feeling an affinity for the area.
His immediate goal is to start winning matches, focusing on improving the team’s scoring while maintaining their defensive solidity.
Widdrington aims for an attacking, possession-based style but said winning above all. With only two training sessions before his first game against Maidenhead, he plans to instil core principles while allowing players to express themselves.
He urged fans to support the team, highlighting the club’s growth and potential, and promised players will play for the badge.
#EBFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Tommy Widdrington as First Team Manager.
The 54-year-old has signed a long-term contract and returns having previously enjoyed a five-year spell in charge of The Sports.
Welcome home, Tommy 😍 pic.twitter.com/5X6TtlUoiJ
— Eastbourne Borough FC (@ebfc_official) October 16, 2025
CLUB SATTEMENT:
Eastbourne Borough Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Tommy Widdrington as First Team Manager.
The 54-year-old has signed a long-term contract and returns to Priory Lane having previously enjoyed a five-year spell in charge of The Sports between February 2012 and April 2017, managing almost 250 games.
Chief Executive Alan Williams said of the appointment: “Myself and Simon (Leslie, Chairman) are as committed as we were at the beginning of this journey, and bringing Tommy in on a long-term contract reinforces our commitment.
“There are few as experienced or knowledgeable at this and the level above and we are as excited about the future as or supporters should be.”
Since leaving the Sports, Widdrington has had two spells in caretaker charge of Bristol Rovers before joining King’s Lynn Town in December 2021.
He then left the Linnets after guiding them to second place in the National League North in April 2023 to join Aldershot Town.
In his first year with the Shots, he preserved their National League status before a change of fortune in 2023/24 – where they missed out on a play-off spot by just two points.
Last year, Widdrington guided the Shots to Wembley for the first time in the club’s history, where they lifted the FA Trophy courtesy of a 3-0 win over Spennymoor Town.
Everyone at Eastbourne Borough FC would like to welcome Tommy back and wish him every success at the club.
Here’s how fans reacted as Tommy Widdrington gives his first interview after leaving Aldershot for Eastbourne Borough…
@aldershot4ever: Good luck with that. Kings lynn warned us about him amd they were correct. Give him 2 years he will do the same to you.
@Tristan_ATFC: Warned about what? Not backing him so finds a club that will? 🤦♂️
@kazzadp: You are obviously unaware that he was with us for 5 years before you lot, so i think we know who he is thanks !
@MilesR502: We know who he is Simon, we had him for 5 years. We will back him in the transfer market, whereas Aldershot weren’t able to. Best of luck for the rest of the season
@FPLAsh86: Those responsible for loosing TW to a lower league team are the problem in our club! National League South Mentality from the shots. Best of luck to Tommy, he’ll do amazing as Eastbourne!
@JoeRapley8: Sounds like he’s getting a big budget and nice wage rise, can’t blame him 🤷🏻♂️
@nonleaguesouths: Top appointment 👏
@atfc_chris: Announce Theo 🤞
@Gameday523: Great appointment for Eastbourne.
@stovvy_58: First of all, thanks Tommy for the Wembley memories. But I have to be honest, this is his level. Yes we achieved a good finish in his first season, but apart from that, the football & his recruitment has been poor the last season & a bit.
@CallumHallett6: With the budget #EBFC can offer Tommy, I’d like to suggest that this appointment is really, really good! 👌The question mark has always been about Aldershot’s defence, but w/ a budget like Eastbourne’s I’m sure he’ll be able to sign some TOP defenders. He’ll look to play an aggressive, forward-thinking style, utilising the attacking qualities which we know this Boro side has in abundance. I expect a few to follow him down too. 👀
@johnshunt1: No axe to grind with Tommy, will always be grateful for some wonderful memories like Wembley & cup games but I think he’d run his race with us tbh. As for legendary status I don’t think so, nothing comes close to that unforgettable promotion season & night at Exeter. 🔴🔵
@CalMosFooty: Wow… Aldershot fans, that’s gotta hurt. Huge loss as it was, but to see him drop a tier too. Good hire for Eastbourne btw I feel, as his Shots side score a lot of goals, issue is they concede a lot too. Wonder how long until Theo signs for Eastbourne then 😅. #TheShots🔴🔵
@shauncstevens: Absolute BS. Hope you lot are ready for 30+ squad players, 50% injured due to training methods, no ethics, BS in interviews, red cards, club fines and the idiot son ruining your chances of survival. But he’ll win you a tinpot cup to make it all ok.
@xmhrbfc24: Fa trophy winner to bottom of the league below is mad
@andrew_raeburn: Great appointment. TW had big shoes to fill in 2012 when following the 13-year reign of Garry Wilson and did a solid job during 5 years of relative austerity at Priory Lane (his longest spell at a club). Now let’s see what he can do with a budget and full-time football.
@aarongardiner07: Terrific appointment from #EBFC! His Aldershot side always were entertaining, scoring goals for fun at times. No doubt he’ll turn their poor start around.
@WillHugall: A very impressive appointment indeed. 🙌 Contacts, experience, know-how of the club. It points towards a turnaround in Borough’s form, if the squad development is right. 🔴⚪️ #Sussex #NonLeague
You must be logged in to post a comment Login