Former boss Abayomi to focus on youth development at Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets travel to Leyton Athletic tonight for their second Essex Senior League game of the season and a notable face will not be in the dugout.

Manager AJ Ashanike recently revealed former joint-boss Ade Abayomi is no longer involved in the first-team coaching set-up at Mile End Stadium.

Last season, Ashanike and Abayomi managed Hamlets to an 11th-place finish, but it will just be the former in charge for the 2018/19 campaign.

He will be supported by coach Joe Biscoe and new assistant Darrell Queeley, although Abayomi will remain at the club.

“Ade was doing it on his own for three years after I left in 2015 and he did a tremendous job with the team,” said Ashanike.

“We have still managed to keep some of the people from his squad and he still has a say in the club, but obviously not with first-team affairs or players.

“So, Ade will still be about and is a massive help for myself and Joe and we have learned so much from him and will continue to do so.”

Former first-team manager Abayomi will concentrate more on the Hamlets youth-team having been in charge of the under-18s before.

Over the past few years the east Londoners have produced several talented teenagers and will look to unearth more gems this term.

The most notable player to progress through Hamlets academy was Randell Williams, who signed for Crystal Palace in January 2016.

Since then, he has moved to London rivals Watford and is currently on loan at League Two outfit Wycombe Wanders.

It all started for Williams at Hamlets under the guidance of Abayomi and Ashanike is hopeful he can find many more talented youngsters.

He added: “Ade is focusing more on the youth development side of things and will also be guidance for our management team.

“If we are having a problem, we will go to Ade because he is more experienced than us and he will look after us.”

Hamlets will be aiming to secure a first win of the new campaign this evening away to Leyton Athletic.