Punjab United appoint Paul Lorraine as player-assistant manager

PUNJAB UNITED manager Chipie Sian has appointed Paul Lorraine as his new player-assistant manager.

The Gravesend-based side have climbed up the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table and sit in the bottom four with 15 points from their 16 league games, thanks to winning four of their last six games.

“It’s been a transitional period for the club and I had to make tough decisions as a manager to ensure this club continues to build on and off the pitch,” said Sian.

“We have a good squad now and it’s taken time but I’m happy with the boys I have and they are hard-working and I’m enjoying working with them.

“it’s a new squad with only a few old faces and it’s given everyone a breath of fresh air and the past results against Welling Town and Glebe shows we can compete in this league if we get it right.”

Simon Halsey’s Hollands & Blair side came away from the Elite Venue with a 3-1 win last Saturday.

Sian said: “It’s a shame about the Hollands & Blair result.  We had a few missing but take nothing away from Hollands & Blair they played a good second half but we dominated the first half and didn’t take our chances but that’s football at this level!”

Sian takes his side to Crowborough Athletic on Saturday and host Corinthian on Boxing Day, both games kicking off at 15:00.

Crowborough are in the bottom-two in the table with 13 points from 19 games, while Greenwich Borough are bottom with nine points from 16 games.

Corinthian are in second-place in the pecking order with 37 points on the board from their 19 league outings, six points adrift of leaders Beckenham Town, whom have a game in hand.

“Looking forward to the festive fixtures against Crowborough and Corinthian, they should be two good games,” said Sian, who has shaked-up his management team.

“I’m happy to confirm that I have brought in Paul Sandhu as new coaching to work alongside Jindi Banwait and Paul Lorraine has stepped up to be my assistant manager and George Goodwin will be the new club captain at the club.

“They are all great guys.  Paul will continue to play but will also help me push this team. He understands my vision for this club and together we will get there!”