Director Mark Anderson has revealed the Kingstonian board were unanimous in their decision to appoint ex-Ks midfielder Tommy Williams as manager.

The former Carshalton Athletic boss,  who finished last season helping Corinthian Casuals escape the Ryman Division One South drop as a player, takes over from departed legend Alan Dowson.
 

Former Hampton & Richmond Borough defender Graham Harper will join the club as Williams’ assistant with Gary Abbott currently in talks over a coaching role.
 

Williams is set to meet the squad on Tuesday with a view to making contract offers to those he wants to remain at Kingsmeadow.
 

“We had 24 applicants from across the game – some had experience in the FootballLeague – but the board are  absolutely convinced Tommy is the right man to take the club forward,” said Anderson, who is set to become joint chaiman of the club alongside John Fenwick in a boardroom reshuffle.
 

“He produced a minor miracle to keep Carshalton Athletic in the Ryman Premier League, knows this level of football inside out and his non-League contacts book is extensive.
 

He added: “I have assured the players there will be no budget cuts and the club remains ambitious.

"No-one should fear change. Nine times out of 10, change is for the better.
 

“I see Ks as a Conference South level football club and we came very close to achieving that last season.
 

“That remains the goal. 

"We are bringiing in a new sponsor, there is some new investment in the club and there will be a few changes in the boardroom.

"There is a fresh buzz and new energy about the place. It is an exciting time.”
 

Williams is set to meet the squad on Tuesday with a view to making contract offers to those he hopes will remain at Kingsmeadow after star striker Ryan Moss left the club to sign a two-year deal with big spending Ryman Premier League rivals Margate this week.

But Anderson, who is keen to retain the services of midfielder Steve Laidler as well as bring in two or three new faces to the playing squad, is confident other star men will remain.
 

“Ryan would have left the club anyway because of the money being banded around at the moment," he added.

"I have spoken to Steve Laidler and he is very much a part of our plans. He is a decent chap and can see what we are trying to do

"I'd like to think our players - like Josh Casey and Charlie Knight - are very bright and switched on and will not do anything until we have talked to them.
 

“But we do understand the need for this uncertainty to be sorted, so the players can go on holiday knowing their overdrafts will be looked after.”