These are exciting times for Phoenix Sports, says chairman Andy Mortlock

PHOENIX SPORTS chairman Andy Mortlock has today confirmed that Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham have been appointed joint-managers.


Previous manager Scott Saunders led the Barnehurst based club to runners-up spot in the inaugural Kent Invicta League season, losing the title by only two points to Bly Spartans (now Rochester United).

The Medway side also defeated Phoenix in the inaugural Kent Invicta Challenge Trophy Final on penalties, after the game finished all square at 2-2 after extra time at Welling United’s Park View Road ground over Easter.

O’Boyle, who enjoyed a successful spell running the reserve side at Thamesmead Town, managed Kent League side Erith Town before taking over, with Beckingham, Kent Invicta League side Erith & Dartford Town last season before the pair both resigned on New Years’ Eve.

Beckingham has previously managed Holmesdale, Croydon and East Grinstead Town and central defender Brown picked up a Kent League Cup Winners medal with VCD Athletic last season.

Mr Mortlock said in a statement: “After some very strong applications from experienced managers, I am pleased to announce that Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham have been appointed as joint first team managers and they will be joined by James Brown as first team player/coach.

“These appointments are great news for Phoenix.  Both managers have a wealth of experience and success in management and coaching at their previous clubs.

“They have both managed at higher league levels than the current Step Six League that Phoenix play in and after some long discussions Phoenix are confident that this new management team can push Phoenix on to bigger and better things both on and off the pitch.”

Mr Mortlock added: “These are exciting times at senior level for Phoenix.  We are re-structuring our senior football section at the club to ensure further success and progression at senior level but also want to tap into our very strong youth set-up.

“We are planning to improve the club’s facilities in the near future with the introduction of floodlights, cover seating/standing, resurfacing our car park as well as improvements to changing rooms and the club house.

“The board has recognised what a great job previous managers have done and we thank them for all their efforts.  The current squad of players managed to finish second in the Kent Invicta League.”

Visit Phoenix Sports website: www.phoenixsportsclub.org

Article published: 11:00 – Saturday 2 June 2012