New Bromley chairman outlines his plans for the year ahead

Goldberg, the former Crystal Palace chairman, first took charge at Hayes Lane in 2006, replacing Billy Smith and George Wakeling.

The Lillywhites clinched promotion into Conference South in May 2007, after they defeated AFC Wimbledon and Billericay Town in the Ryman Premier League play-offs, after finishing runners-up to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Goldberg left the club during the 2007-08 season, to be succeeded by former Crystal Palace star Simon Osborn, but he returned to the club at the end of the season.

Bromley romped to the summit of the Blue Square Bet South table with seven straight wins at the start of last season, but Goldberg parted company with the club again in January 2011, and his assistant manager Hayden Bird took over team affairs. 

But the side slipped down the table and had to settle for an eleventh placed finish and they were defeated 4-1 by Dartford in the Kent Senior Cup Final at the end of the season.

Former Croydon Athletic and Carshalton Athletic manager Bird resigned from his position as Bromley manager following a meeting with club owner Jerry Dolke twelve days ago.

Mr Dolke confirmed this afternoon that Murray Jones – who ran the Capital League side at the club last season – has been unveiled as Goldberg’s assistant and they will be joined in the dug-out by Neil Smith,  who takes up the role of first team coach, having worked at Croydon Athletic and then Lewes as assistant manager to Tim O’Shea last season.

Lambeth-born Smith, 39, started his career with Tottenham Hotspur, before playing for Gillingham (213 appearances), Fulham (75) and Reading (64), before dropping into non-league football with Stevenage Borough, Woking, Welling United, Bromley and Maidstone United.

He has managing/coaching experience with Woking, Welling United, Bromley, Croydon Athletic and Lewes, although his last two clubs were relegated from different leagues at the end of last season.

Mr Reading, a local businessman, will take the lead with immediate effect, with current chairman, Paul Greenwood taking on the role of vice-chairman.

“Ashley has incredible drive which will be used to push the club forwards in the coming years,” said a statement from owner Mr Dolke, which was published on www.bromleyfc.net.

“His energy has revitalised me and his commitment to secure new investment and sponsorship to fulfil his ambitions for the club is contagious.

Mr Reading has vowed to improve facilities at Hayes Lane – which was opened in 1938.

He said: “My vision is to develop the off-field activities of the club in order to generate the sustainable revenue streams that will enable the club not only to move onwards and upwards in future years but also to develop as a sports and leisure centre for the local community, as we will be encouraging families and children to enjoy the facilities to their full.

“The first plan is to develop new AstroTurf facilities at the ground to include an 11-a-side pitch and a 7-a-side pitch with floodlighting, which we already have planning permission for, and to add an extension to the existing main stand, incorporating additional bar and restaurant facilities.

“Whilst we are looking to generate an input of funds in order to achieve the above aims, my commitment in the coming year will be to youth development as opposed to the club buying its way to a higher level.

“We will be aiming for progress in the years ahead but our ambitions will be achieved through organic growth not through the expensive acquisition of players and therefore we will be content with another competitive season in the Blue Square Bet South this season before we push on.”

Further announcements surrounding the assembly of Goldberg’s squad will follow in the coming weeks, although there has been one official departure, left-back, Harrison Dunk, 20, who has signed a two-year professional contract with Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Cambridge United.

Bromley kick-off their seven-match pre-season campaign with a home game against Gillingham on Saturday 9 July (1pm).

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net