Tony Gold is looking forward to a new chapter in his career after taking charge at Takeley FC.

Gold took over from former Leyton Orient star Steve Castle at the Essex Senior League high-flyers and he says he cannot wait to get started.

"I've been out of football for three months and I’m looking forward to the challenge," he said.
Having taken London Lions into the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division as champions, Gold says the opportunity of managing Takeley FC was one he could not turn down.

"It's a step up from Lions and they have a really good structure in place," he said. "This is a fantastic opportunity for me as chairman Pat Curran is very ambitious. The club has a fantastic pitch and stadium, as well as great support."

Steve Grenfell and Darren Yarlett will join Gold’s new-look management team at Takeley. "Steve will assist me as he did at Lions, while Darren comes in as a coach, but he will continue working with the Wingate & Finchley under-21 team," said Gold.

Since leaving Lions, Gold has been working with the under-16 and 18 teams at Charlton Athletic’s academy and he hopes to bolster his squad by drafting in some players from local academy clubs.

"I take charge with the team in a strong position. We’re lying third in the league and are in the semi-finals of one cup competition and the quarter-finals of another.

"I've watched the team play a couple of times and think they need to improve defensively. I’ve already got a couple of signings lined-up and it will be good to link up with former Lions player Dean Nyman again.

"I know they are a footballing team, but it will take time to do what we want to do. We have to hit the ground running pretty quickly."