Gilman steps in as Bateman quits

DAVE GILMAN will be a fourth fledgling new first-team coach operating in Division One football this season.

The former Muratti defender – he played right-back in the 1995 2-1 defeat by Jersey at the Track – takes over from Clive Bateman whose resignation was accepted by Sylvans at a committee meeting this week.

Gilman, 35 (pictured), is excited at the prospect of taking over a club he gave such loyal service to and which won every domestic medal, but admitted the timing was not good with pre-season starting and the new season fast approaching.

'It's been very last minute. The timing is unfortunate,' said the man who had made a play for the position towards the end of last season when, mistakenly as it happens, he understood Bateman was preparing to stand down.

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