Bromley have an exciting future ahead, says newly appointed reserve team boss Keith Bird

BROMLEY have confirmed that they will be running a reserve side in the Suburban League next season.


The Blue Square Bet South club will be competing in the Suburban League Premier A Division along with Boreham Wood, Carshalton Athletic, Eastleigh, Farnborough, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Metropolitan Police, Sutton United, Tonbridge Angels, Tooting & Mitcham United and Woking.

Home fixtures will be played midweek at Hayes Lane, while away games will mostly take place on Saturday’s.

Keith Bird, who is currently completing his UEFA B coaching licence, has been appointed the club’s new reserve team manager and he will be assisted by former Charlton Athletic player Mike Paye.  Ray Parker has been unveiled the club’s newly appointed reserve team secretary.

The pairing have worked together for eight years and last year managed Bromley’s Kent Youth League Under 18 Central squad, who finished last season in third-place in the table, seven points behind champions Tonbridge Angels.

In a statement, which was published on www.bromleyfc.net,  Bird said: “Mike, Ray and I are delighted by this appointment. We work very well as a team and are delighted to serve the club in building a reserve team set up that Bromley FC can be proud of.

“Our intention is to play at the most competitive reserve football possible. Our prime purpose is to produce players capable of progressing onto the first team as well as offering a place to first team players coming back from injury or trying to break into a regular starting position in the first team.”

Bird is thrilled that first team manager Mark Goldberg and club owner Jerry Dolke have put their faith in him.

He said:  “The club have an exciting future ahead and I am thrilled that Mark and Jerry have asked us to play our part in helping Bromley Football Club achieve its full potential.”

Jeff Hutton, the head of club development at Hayes Lane, added: ““We are delighted to have a reserve team in place for the new season, playing in such a competitive competition such as the Suburban League.

“Keith and Mike done a superb job with the under 18's last season and Ray has been involved with the club for a long time. Together Keith, Mike and Ray will deliver a professional reserve team set up that will benefit both the Academy and first team.”

Meanwhile, the club will know their Blue Square Bet (Conference) South fixtures at 11 o’clock next Monday morning.

The Ravens maintained their League status by avoiding relegation by just two points last season, but it is expected that the Kent club will do much better next term.

Bromley commence their eight-match pre-season campaign when League One side Crawley Town visit Hayes Lane on Saturday, 14 July (3pm).

They have, however, maintained their policy of keeping their close season signings close to their chest, but midfielder Lewis Taylor, 25, has left the club and has signed for Ryman Premier League side Carshalton Athletic.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net