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.