Steve Smith appointed as Stansfeld's new assistant manager

STANSFELD OXFORD & Bermondsey Club manager Lloyd Bradley has unveiled Steve Smith as his new first team assistant manager/coach.

The club play their home games on the same ground as back-to-back NRG Gym Kent County League Premier Division champions Metrogas and Bradley guided his club to runners-up spot last season.

Smith is a great acquisition for the New Eltham based club and comes with a wealth of experience, having played for Bromley, Cray Wanderers, Greenwich Borough and Barking.

His role will include assisting the first team manager with coaching, pre-match warm-ups as well as having input in team selection.

It is his coaching skills that will definitely benefit the team.  He has successfully managed and coached at Beauwater, Erith Town and most recently at Welling United at youth level, while at senior level he worked at Swanley Town and Charlton Community.

Bradley said: “We had several applications for the assistant manager’s job, but it was obvious after the interview process had been completed that Steve Smith was the stand out candidate.

“Stansfeld have been thin on the football management side of things at the club, so it was important that we added some quality and Steve certainly brings that.

“He will be a massive help to me, both on match days and at training. I am sure we will be able to form a very successful partnership.

“He has some great ideas to help improve the team and I am sure the players will all benefit from his input. He shares my views on developing the club and his recent involvement with locally based Kent Youth teams will hopefully be a major help in recruiting local talented youngsters that are looking to make the transition into Senior football.

“We are still looking to add some players to the squad, as we try to go one better the last season’s runner-up spot, but I strongly believe Steve will be the most important signing we make.

“I am really looking forward to working with him.”

The club clinched the Bill Manklow Inter-Regional Challenge Cup glory after beating Farnborough Old Boys Guild 2-0 at Chatham Town’s ground on 5 May.

They have booked four pre-season friendlies as Bradley and Smith prepare the side for the new season.

Stansfled open with a trip to play Greenwich Borough’s under 21 side on Saturday, 25 July, and host Welling United’s under 21s on Tuesday 4 August.

Stansfled travel to Meridian VP on 1 August, before hosting Bexley on 8 August.

Meanwhile, two Kent Invicta League sides have unveiled new managers during the past week.

Crockenhill have unveiled Liam Kelly as their new boss, while Ernie Batten has stepped down as co-chairman at Sheppey United to take charge of team affairs at Holm Park.

Meanwhile, the Kent County League have confirmed their constitution for the 2015-16 season.

Premier Division: 15
Bexley, Borden Village, Erith 147 Sports, Faversham Strike Force, Fleetdown United, Greenways, Guru Nanak, Halstead United, Hildenborough Athletic, Holland Sports, Kennington, Metrogas, Snodland Town, Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club, Staplehurst Monarchs United

Division One East: 12
APM Contrast Res, Bearsted Res, Bredhurst Juniors, Deal Community Sports, East Kent College, Hawkinge Town, Hollands & Blair Res, Ide Hill, Lydd Town Res, New Romney, Park Regis, Sutton Athletic Res

Division One West: 12
AFC Mottingham, Belvedere, Bexlians, Blackheath United, Chipstead, Farnborough Old Boys Guild, Halls AFC, Long Lane, Otford United, Peckham Town, Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club Res, Tudor Sports

Division Two East: 11
Ashford United Res, Deal Town Res, East Kent College Res, Kings Hill, Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers, New Romney Res, Rolvenden, Sheppey United Res, Sittingbourne Community, South Darenth, Tenterden Town

Division Two West: 13
Club Langley, Crayford Arrows, Dulwich Village, FC Elmstead Res, Fleetdown United Res, Johnson & Phillips, Lewisham Athletic, Long Lane Res, Metrogas Res, New Park, Oaks & Junior Red Seniors, Old Bromleians, Old Roan

Division Three East: 11
Aylesford, Borden Village Res, Cuxton 91, Guru Nanak Res, Kennington Res, Little Sharsted, Snodland Town Res, Staplehurst Monarchs United Res, West Farleigh, Willesborough Athletic, Yalding & Laddingford

Division Three West: 13
Bexley Res, Cray Wanderers Community, Farnborough Old Boys Guild Res, Halls AFC Res, Hildenborough Athletic Res, Meridian VP Res, Nomads, Old Roan Res, Orpington Res, Parkwood Rangers, South East Athletic, Tudor Sports Res, Welling Park

Visit Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club’s website:  www.clubwebsite.co.uk/stansfeldobc/Home