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George Christou’s first interview as Tilbury manager

- Mason Hutchinson

George Christou and Jack Toghli were announced as first-team managers this week, and I sat down with our new gaffer to ask for his thoughts ahead of his new role.

How did you feel when you got approached for the job?

“It came as a bit of a shock to see the job available, to be honest. I remember when I was younger, I would come down to watch Tilbury, and I’d probably say Tilbury is where my love for non-league started.

“But I’m really excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.”

You’re joining the club as joint-manager with Jack Toghli; you two have been coaching together for a while now. Tell us about your relationship and how important you think that understanding is when working together.

“I’ve known Jack since I was 4 or 5, went to primary and secondary school with him. We’ve been managing together for over 10 years now, and we’ve built a really strong understanding. 

“He’s got so many strengths that I don’t have, and I’ve got strengths that he doesn’t have, and I think we complement each other very well. 

“We’ve also done the hard yards to get to where we are, coaching youth football, reserves, we’ve been assistant managers, and we’ve managed at lower levels and the same level as Tilbury, and it’s so important to have a strong character next to you.”

What are your initial thoughts coming into the club?

“I see a team that nearly reached the play-offs last season, and the core of that squad is still here. Marc and Liam brought in more younger talent this season, which is exciting. I see a lot of players who excite me. 

“Maybe the group hasn’t quite gelled yet, but we’ve already had many 7-day approaches for players, which shows how talented the group is.”

What are the short-term goals for this season?

“It sounds cliché, but we’re going to take every game as it comes, starting with Hadley on the 25th October. Then following that, we’ve got nine matches in November, that’s a lot of time on the pitch and not a lot of time on the training ground. So it’s going to be important to focus on each game at a time.”

Without giving too much away, are you looking to bring some new players in?

“Yes, we will be. The group needs reinforcing, especially with the number of games coming up next month. 

“It’s going to be really tough and will take a lot out of everyone, so we will need some reinforcement. When you look at it, that’s a quarter of your season in one month, so it’s going to be really important that we hit the ground running.”

Finally, do you have a message for the fans?

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the fans. I’ll be in the bar, so please come and introduce yourselves to me. 

“I’ve seen Chadfields rocking, and when it is, the fans really get behind the team and make great noise. We’re going to need all the help we can get from the stands to push the team through games.”