TUNBRIDGE Wells FC have named Tenterden Town boss Kevin Metcalf as their new manager after Steve Clark was sacked, following the club’s FA Vase defeat on Saturday.

Clark took over three years ago and last season the club finished eighth and reached the semi-finals of the Kent League Cup.

The axe fell after a poor start to this campaign which has seen Wells win just once in the Kent League and exit the FA Cup and the FA Vase.

Chairman Norman Sales, who replaced Ron Rogers at the start of the season, said the club had to act to halt this season’s decline.

“The results have not been good but there is a long way to go. The club has long-term plans and Kevin has been asked to build a balanced team for the future, with young and experienced players,” he said.

However, a source close to the club said the decision to appoint Metcalf was taken before last Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat to Chessington United in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase.

It is understood Clark had been criticised by the club’s committee for his failure to bring in a new coach after Mal Watkins left for Maidstone midway through last season.

Clark said his dismissal was not unexpected. “I knew this was on the cards but I was annoyed that some people seemed to know before me.

“To be honest I was getting fed up with the job because it was getting harder and harder to bring players to the club after team expenses were cut at the start of the season,” he said.

Former Tonbridge favourite Clark declined an offer by the Wells’ committee to remain as a player. He was this week in talks with Kent League rivals Sevenoaks Town and Whitstable Town about signing for them. “I want to keep playing but I will not make any decision for a week or so.”

Metcalf is a former player with Welling United and was the last manager of Canterbury City before the club folded three seasons ago.

He took Tenterden into the Kent County League Premier Division last year and has coached at Arsenal and Charlton.