Lordswood unveil Neil Hunter as their new manager

LORDSWOOD have appointed Neil Hunter as their new manager, within an hour of announcing Darren Anslow’s resignation.

 

Hunter is no stranger to the Southern Counties East Football League having been involved with clubs for the past 15 years.

He has worked previously at Erith & Belvedere and Beckenham Town and was part of Dean Harrison’s management team at Fisher that finished in third-place behind Cray Valley (Paper Mills) and Corinthian a couple of seasons ago.

He joined Gravesend-based side Punjab United earlier on in the 2019-20 season before joining Anslow’s coaching set-up at Lordswood in January 2020.

Michael Dodsworth has been appointed assistant manager, while Sonny Gladdish comes in as first-team coach.

“Neil had impressed the committee in the short space of time that he was involved and expressed an immediate interest in taking on the role once Darren had advised of his intention to leave,” said a club statement.

Dodsworth needs no introduction to Lordswood having featured as a player during his career and has played at many clubs in the Southern Counties East Football League and Isthmian Leagues and recently had a coaching spell at K Sports.

Gladdish had stints in both the Charlton Athletic Academy and Millwall’s Academy as a player before moving into coaching.

He had four successful years with Maidstone United in their youth set up, before joining East Grinstead Town in the Isthmian League. He has also had roles at Hastings United, Margate, Sheppey United and K Sports.

Lordswood vice-chairman Paul Caulfield, said in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome Neil, Michael and Sonny on board as the new management of the first team.

“Neil is well respected within non-league football and his enthusiasm for the role really shone through.

“The club is reaching an important stage with its development of the youth structure and we are looking forward to seeing further progression as our Kent Youth sides push on towards men’s football.

“The key link between the youth setup and the first team is the reserve section and we are delighted that Imran Englefield and Chris Gardner will continue their management of the reserves who had a great season in 2019/20 with a number of players having already featured in the first-team.

“Whilst we still do not know when football will resume, we are pleased to have finalised the management structure so that preparations can begin to ensure we have a settled squad raring to go when we finally get the green light to play again.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.club