England match fishing legend Tommy Pickering has announced he is to resign from his position as manager of Preston Innovations England Feeder Team with immediate effect. Tom will leave his role with Team England ranked number 1 in the FIPS-ed rankings and widely recognised as the best and most consistent feeder team in the world.
Tommy was appointed manager in 2011 when FIPSed first introduced the Feeder World Championships and led the team to Italy and resulted in a 5th place finish and an individual bronze medal for Steve Ringer. Since then the team flourished as the team secured a podium place in 6 of the following World Championships, 2 team gold, 1 team silver and 3 team bronze medals. With a team packed full of incredibly talented anglers, Individual medals followed with 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze. Tom and his team brought home a least one medal at every one of the eight World Championships they attended, an incredible feat.
Tom Pickering said “I am really proud of what the squad has achieved around the world, where ever they have gone have dominated feeder matches. We are ranked number 1 in the world and have the top 4 individuals in the world and personally I believe we have the top 6. My successor will have a fantastic base to start and have the quality to continue to dominate the world and nobody will be cheering louder than me.”
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and hope I made a difference and I’d like to say a massive massive thank you to all the lads who have contributed to the team over the years. It hasn’t always worked but every decision I have made has been in the best interests of the team. I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to Preston Innovation for their incredible support over the years and Sensas for there fantastic support, without their sponsorship achieving what we have would I’m sure have been tougher. I’d like to thank the Angling Trust for giving me the opportunity and entrusting me to lead our nation’s team on the world stage and specifically Sandra Johnson for her continued and relentless support. Finally I would like to wish my successor and the team the very best of luck in your future endeavours and I will always be looking out for your results and cheering you on wherever you may be.”
Preston Innovations Feeder Team England is scheduled to compete in South Africa in the CIPS World Games in February 2019 and the Angling Trust will begin the search for a replacement manager immediately.
Ben Thompson, Senior Competitions Manager, Angling Trust said “its easy to focus on the incredible success that Tom and his team has achieved over the last 8 yeas but, he is a real gentleman and it has been a pleasure to work with. He has been a tremendous ambassador for Team England, the Angling Trust and match fishing in the UK. He will be a very hard act to follow but with the talent and experience we have in England I’m sure we will continue to be successful on the world stage.”
“On behalf of the Angling Trust, Team England and the many anglers who have followed the team’s progress over the years. I’d like to thank you for your commitment, dedication and expertise and wish you all the very best in whatever lies ahead.”
