12thjune05

Garland back in management

FORMER Bromley and Dulwich Hamlet manager Dave Garland has been appointed first team coach at Ryman League Division One side Croydon Athletic, writes Stephen McCartney.

He replaces Jeff Evans, who held the position last season, who has left the Mayfields club by mutual consent, as has their goalkeeping coach Danny Rose, who has had to stand down because of other commitments.

In addition to Garland's appointment, Dave Hyatt, who was number two goalkeeper last term, has joined the management team as goalkeeping coach.

Chief executive Dean Fisher said: "I am delighted that Dave Garland has agreed to join us.  He comes to us with a wealth of experience having worked in both the professional and non-league game at Crystal Palace, Dulwich Hamlet, Whyteleafe and lastly Croydon and I am delighted to have secured his services.

"At the end of last season, the chairman and I sat down with manager Hayden Bird and discussed the season and the forthcoming campaign, and we all felt that a fresh face was needed.

"Dave was always our number one target and following talks we were delighted when he agreed to join us.

"He is as pleased as we are about the appointment and cannot wait to start work with the players when they report back for pre-season training in July.  

"Dave is currently on holiday in Barbados charging his batteries and preparing for the new season.  Following his return I am sure he and Hayden will be busy planning for the new campaign.

Manager Hayden Bird added: "We all see Dave's appointment as a major step forward.  In appointing Dave, Croydon Athletic have invested in an excellent coach with a wealth of experience.

"In liaison with the chairman and the chief executive, it is my job to build as good a team as possible both on and off the pitch.  The introduction of Dave Garland clearly signals our intent to move forward."

Speaking about the club's ambitions for the season, he said: "I would not like to make predictions, it is fair to say we are all looking forward to the new season," he told the club's website.

Garland, however, comes across his old club Bromley, in a pre-season friendly at Mayfields on Tuesday 16th August in the Paul Muir Memorial Trophy.