Vickers boss Foley unveils Newson as his new number two

Friday 27th November 2009

VCD ATHLETIC boss Paul Foley says former Fulham captain Mark Newson was the right man to replace Dean Frost as his new assistant manager, writes Jeff Perkins.

Following the recent departure of Dean Frost to neighbouring Blue Square South side Welling United, where he has been appointed first team coach, Foley has pulled off yet another coup in enticing a coach with the highest credentials.

With a number of applicants including players from higher leagues, Vickers boss Foley persuaded the former Fulham captain to team up with the successful management team to occupy the vacancy left by assistant manager Frost.

With a highly successful playing career at Charlton Athletic, Maidstone United, AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, Barnet, Tottenham Hotspur, Vaxjo Internation (Sweden), Aylesbury United, Gravesend & Northfleet and Fisher Athletic, Newson is well known and respected in football circles.

The full back also picked up 5 caps for the England Semi-Professional team during the 1983/84 season and was one of Harry Redknapp’s first signings at Bournemouth where he picked up the Division 3 championship as captain in the 1987 season.

Newson is well known to Maidstone United fans also having played in the Conference title winning side in 1984 but is probably best known for his 3 year stint as captain of Fulham from 1990 to 1993.
Finishing his playing career at Fisher Athletic as he approached his 40’s, Newson then coached at West Ham United helping to develop the talents of Junior Stanislas and Zavon Hines amongst others.

He is now one of the senior coaches at The Beckham Academy having achieved his UEFA Coaching qualifications and is also an FA Tutor for the various coaching badges available.

Manager Paul Foley told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk: “When Dean told me of the offer to go and coach at Welling United I told him he had to seize the opportunity and give it a go.

“Dean was always keen to progress and he has all the credentials to do so. Frosty knows that I was as pleased as anyone that he was getting the chance to coach in a higher league as I know how much it meant to him.

“We were a very successful team together and it worked like a dream from the day we took the job for the 2007/08 season finishing 2^nd in our first year and winning the league and Kent Senior Trophy in the next year.

“Frosty is a very good coach and top man who will be missed at the club not only for his coaching but also as a person as he was good to have around the place.

“We speak to each other all the time still and who knows, we may team up again in the future!

Speaking of Frost’s replacement, Newson, Foley said: “Replacing Dean was not going to be easy and I had some very interesting options available but if I am honest Mark was the one that most appealed.

“I have known Mark for years as he is my eldest brother Adrian’s best mate so it was a bit of a punt which I did not think he would take on but I have never been a shy lad so I asked him to think about it!

“We spoke about the club, the players and what he could bring with his vast experience and he said he really wanted to get back into coaching a team once more.

“Mark will fit in really well at the club which is just as important at VCD as his considerable playing and coaching experience.

“He has always been a winner, a character and a real football person with the presence that comes with people who have actually been there and done it, so he brings all of those personal qualities along too.

“Those attributes are very rare especially at our level as not many clubs have people like him on board.

“The other thing that appealed to me is the fact he has no ties or history with the club or any other local clubs.

“He can come in at a completely different angle with fresh ideas and opinions which I am all for.

“Newse is coming along to the Enfield game on Saturday to get to know the lads and will be here from this point forward.

“We are now back to the full complement with Mark joining Andy Silk and myself alongside Terry Groom (youth development manager), Barry Bell (goalkeeper coach) and Phil Jeffs (physio)’

Article courtesy of www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Enfield Town v VCD Athletic
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 28^th November 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Goldsdown Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN3 7RP