The list of applicants was of a very high standard making it a tough decision but the committee are pleased to have Simon Halsey and Luke Harvey on board and look forward to working with them - Hollands & Blair

HOLLANDS & BLAIR have appointed Simon Halsey as their next manager.

 

The Gillingham based side secured their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division status with a 3-0 home win over Rusthall, which relegated their opponents after two seasons of struggle in the top-flight.

Paul Piggott returned to the hot-seat and in his nine games in charge, picked up five wins and a draw to reach the safety mark of 32 points and they complete their campaign with a trip to third-from-bottom side Punjab United tomorrow and at home to seventh-placed Erith Town next Saturday.

“Having confirmed their SCEFL Premier Division status with a 3-0 victory over Rusthall, Hollands & Blair can announce that Simon Halsey will be our new manager for the 2019-20 season,” said a club statement, which was published on www.hollandsandblair.co.uk last night.

“Luke Harvey has agreed to join him as his assistant.

“The list of applicants was of a very high standard making it a tough decision but the committee are pleased to have Simon and Luke on board and look forward to working with them.

“Simon has been a regular visitor to Star Meadow over the years and has a proven pedigree managing at this level.

“After holding various roles at Dartford and VCD Athletic, he won the Kent League title leading them into the Isthmian League for the first time and two Kent League Cups during his reign at Herne Bay, where he also reached The FA Vase Semi-Finals in 2012.

“Since then he has managed at Lordswood, Fisher, Whitstable Town and Ramsgate.”

Visit Hollands & Blair’s website: www.hollandsandblair.co.uk