FORMER Deal Town manager Tommy Sampson said he had “thoroughly enjoyed” his return to the Charles Ground on Saturday despite his Redhill side losing 4-1.

Sampson, the man who led Town to the FA Vase triumph in 2000, said: “I have had a great day, it’s been lovely to see so many old friends.

“To be honest, it was a bit difficult for me to concentrate on the game beforehand because of so many people wanting to take photos and have a chat, and I was really down to the bare bones as far as players were concerned because of injuries.

“But I think Deal have got a really good little side now."