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Walton Casuals History—Cont
Although 2002-03 proved a disappointment with the club finishing in a lowly 18th spot, the
seeds of success had been sown with Spencer Collins taking over as first-team manager in
November 2002. As a team capable of much better things slowly begun to take shape, ex-
West Ham United and Fulham great Tony Gale was installed as Director of Football.
After more team-building in 2003-04 and a big jump up the table to finish in 7th spot, the club
took the Combined Counties by storm the ensuing season, finishing an impressive 26 points
clear at the top of the table.
After initially failing an FA ground inspection, the club launched a successful appeal and
achieved their dream of promotion to Ryman League Division One for 2005-06. Finishing the
maiden season in 15th place, subsequent seasons saw the club regularly finish in the bottom
half. In 2009-10 the club achieved its best run in the FA Cup reaching the 3rd Qualifying
round, before losing to Staines Town.
The club appointed Neil Shipperley manager in the summer of 2010 and managed to finish in
12th place, at the time the Stags’ record league finish in history. During early 2011 the club
opened a new clubhouse and new changing facilities. Mick Sullivan returned at the helm in
October 2011 following the resignation of Neil Shipperley, but was sacked a year later with ex-
Farnborough, Crawley Town and Stevenage manager Danny Carroll taking the reins.
Following a reprieval at the end of the 2012-13 season despite another imminent relegation,
ex-Kingstonian assistant Mark Hams was instated as manager, with his brother Neil joining as
assistant manager. Within their first season, the Hams brothers led the team to a club record
league finish of 9th place. However, after struggling in their second season, Hams and the
club decided to part their ways after nine league defeats without a single point. Players Liam
Collins and Simon Huckle took up temporary coaching roles at the club, before being handed
the permanent opportunity in November 2014. Results improved considerably, and with Liam
Collins opting to take the role permanently, soared up the table to avoid a likely relegation.
Achieving a historic double over Walton & Hersham for the first time in the club’s history, an
18th placed finish defied expectations and saw much improvement in the latter half of the
campaign.
Anthony Gale too over at the beginning of season 2015/16. Off the field the clubs ground at
Waterside is having a makeover and so they have been on the road now residing at Whyteleafe,
previously it was Merstham.
Ryman South games today
League
East Grinstead Town vs Faversham Town
Greenwich Borough vs Tooting & Mitcham United
Hastings United vs Horsham
Herne Bay vs Cray Wanderers
Surrey County Cup
Dorking Wanderers vs South Park
Godalming Town vs Merstham
Sussex County Cup
Three Bridges vs Worthing
Hythe Town vs Lewes