FOOTBALL: Curtis gets off to winning start at EP

Former Worthing United boss Curtis, was put in place last Thursday, after he and assistant Andy Preddy impressed the club's committee in their interviews.

Curtis made three new signings for Saturday's game and changed tactics as EP got back to winning ways after six consecutive defeats.

He said: "I was over the moon as it was a perfect start. The job came out of the blue really but myself and Andy went for a couple of interviews and we put a plan together of what we wanted to do and got appointed.

"Since leaving Worthing United, I've been watching and playing a bit but it's good to get back involved.

"To be honest, there weren't many club's that I would have gone to but East Preston was very attractive. They have a good set-up, and they're a good club with a great infrastructure.

"The old manager (Trevor Waller], at the beginning of the season, wanted promotion but I think now that may just be out of our grasp.

"A top eight finish would be great, anything more a massive bonus, so we can then have a go at it next season."

New signings Jamie Fay, Richard Maymon and Danny Azimi all came into the side as Curtis opted to switch to a 4-4-2 formation, from 5-3-2.

First half goals from captain Ian Saunders and Fay gave EP a 2-0 lead at the break, and Steve Boston and Craig Leworthy wrapped things up in the second half.

Curtis added: "I watched the match against Littlehampton last Tuesday, so I sat down and talked with goalkeeping coach Andy Kinchin.

"They have recently been playing 5-3-2, but I decided to switch back to a 4-4-2 and we looked more solid around the pitch and all the players had a great attitude.

"I could say it was too good of a start but I suppose I wouldn't have wanted it the other way round. We must make sure we don't get complacent now.

"The slate has been wiped clean and everyone is playing in the spotlight for their places and to impress."

Five people applied for the vacant EP manager's job, without it even being officially advertised, and club chairman Mike Barnes described an impressive presentation by Curtis and Preddy as what earned them the job.

He said: "They put together a good presentation and Paul and his team seemed very keen on the job. It wasn't anything to do with reputations.

"It was the fact that they impressed the committee who run the club.

"We all want the club to get promoted again but this year we need to be at least in the top half, then we can make sure we're fit and in good shape for next season to get back up a division."

EAST PRESTON: Kason; N.Da Costa, Saunders, Windsor, Dick; Huet, Fay, Leworthy, Maymon; Boston, Azimi. Subs: Campbell (Fay 65), Budge (Azimi 70), Meeney (Maymon 80), Williamson.

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