It was a very hard decision to leave Cray Valley, says Joe Ford

Wednesday 05th June 2013

JOE FORD explained why he has joined up with his dad Martin to become Erith & Belvedere’s new first team coach.

The Deres appointed Martin Ford, 50, and Chris Cosgrove as co-managers last Friday, after Micky Collins and coaches Grant Watts and Julian Leigh quit the club only 12 days after guiding the Welling-based club to the Kent League double.

Joe Ford, 22, Martin Barnard and goalkeeping coach Darren Mace all quit Kent League club Cray Valley on Monday to become coaches at Park View Road.

The lure of coaching in Ryman League Division One North was to be the reason for the trio to leave Badgers.

Cray Valley (Paper Mills) finished their second season in the Kent League in eighth-place, which was their best ever finish.

“We are all looking forward to the challenge,” said Joe Ford.

“To be honest it was a very hard decision to leave Cray Valley. It is a great club and I enjoyed every minute of my time there.

“I would like to thank everybody involved at the club from the players to the bar staff. Everyone treated me superbly during my time at Cray Valley, especially Chappo (Steve Chapman), Eddy and Mac, who had faith in me and gave me the chance to coach at that level last season.

“I like to think that I done a good job for them while I was there and in turn I’m very grateful for everything they done for me and I wish them every success for the future.

“As hard as it was to leave Cray Valley, there is no denying the fact that Erith & Belvedere are a massive football club and in my opinion are now back where they belong.

“To be honest as soon as the job was offered to me I was interested and I’m delighted that Martin Barnard and Darren Mace have also agreed to join the club from Cray Valley.

“I think they will agree with me when I say that to put it simply we could not turn down the opportunity to coach a club as big as Erith & Belvedere in the Ryman League.

“We are very much looking forward to meeting up with the lads and getting straight to work.

“There is no doubt in our minds that we have a tough act to follow. Micky Collins and his coaching staff done a great job in their time here.”

Ford will turn 23 for the start of the season, but he didn’t want to make a fuss about working with his dad Martin at a Ryman League club.

He said: “This is a massive season for everyone at Erith & Belvedere Football Club and we will be working closely with Martin Ford and Chris Cosgrove to achieve our goals.

“I don’t really want a fuss made about it. I’ve only just arrived at the club and I’m in the middle of sorting out a pre-season schedule".
A club statement said: “The club would express their delight in welcoming the new additions the board also wish to thank Cray Valley and in particular manager Steve Chapman in the professional way they have conducted themselves in allowing us to obtain their services.”

Meanwhile, Cray Valley (Paper Mills) manager Steve Chapman has already appointed a new coaching staff at the Eltham-based club.

Chapman said: “I’ve reacted quickly to losing my entire coaching staff to Erith & Belvedere by appointing a new head coach and goalkeeping coach.

“Joe Ford, Martin Barnard and Darren Mace all left the club on Monday following an approach by Martin Ford.

“I’ve known Martin since I was 14 and we go back a long way and as soon as he got the Deres job I suspect I could lose Joe, his son. What I didn’t expect was to lose Martin and Macey!

“I spoke to all three Monday night and the lure and challenge of the Ryman League was too great. We parted on good terms and I thanked the lads for their contribution to helping me develop Cray Valley last season.”

Chapman unveiled that his new head coach is Brian Wickes, whilst Jel Parsons returns to the club to coach the goalkeepers.

He said: “Both of the new appointments have worked with me before and I’m looking forward to working with them again.

“New head coach is Brian Wickes who is a knowledgeable, experienced and respected coach who quite rightly took some time out to follow his son Stephen in his final years’ playing youth football. With Stephen now going to University, Brian can now commit more.

“Jel Parsons returns to the club as goalkeeping coach. Jel also had family commitments last season and although his daughter Lauren will be playing for Charlton Ladies next season he will be able to juggle the two.”

Central defender, Paul Gross, who finished last season at the club following his move from Erith & Belvedere, will also join the coaching staff.

“In addition to this Paul Gross will be taking his Level 2 so it’s the perfect opportunity to help him develop,” added Chapman.

“Perhaps my biggest loss is my physio Agata, who was not only very good but a very popular figure at the club. I’m now looking for a replacement so if anyone is interested please contact me. On the other hand I might pinch the Erith & Belvedere physio (Ally Maloney)!”

Chapman revealed that he has signed brothers Jamie and Lewis Wood – ironically from Erith & Belvedere.

Jamie Wood, 34, was captain of the Kent League double winners last season, whilst Lewis, 31, picked up another medal last season, winning the Beckenham Hospital Invitation Charity Cup whilst playing for Kent Invicta League side Seven Acre & Sidcup on 22 May.

Chapman said: “Jamie Wood is my first significant new signing of the summer. Jamie led Erith & Belvedere to the League and Cup double last season and is the type of experienced player I’ve been looking for to put a foot on the ball in the middle of the park.

“Jamie could’ve remained at the Deres but due to family and work commitments he feels the travelling would be too much.

“Last season I managed to persuade Paul Gross to sign and Grossy played a big part in getting him to sign for the club.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithbelvederefc.co.uk

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk