Barking: Charlie MacDonald has taken the management reigns for the foreseeable future until he is fit enough to play once again at this level

BARKING have appointed Charlie MacDonald as their new manager.

 

The 40-year-old striker has previously played for Charlton Athletic and Kent sides Margate, Gravesend & Northfleet, Greenwich Borough, Cray Wanderers, VCD Athletic and Glebe and joined the Isthmian League North Division club at the start of the season.

Barking parted company with Justin Gardner in November. 

The Essex club are currently in the bottom four in the table with 20 points from as many games, nine points clear of the relegation zone, currently occupied by Hullbridge Sports and Romford.

“The club has been quietly going about stabilising the squad since a change of manager in November,” said a club statement.

“Charlie MacDonald has taken the management reigns for the foreseeable future until he is fit enough to play once again at this level.”

The club have announced the return of Dartford-based striker George Purcell, 33, and have snapped up George Fairhead and Tom Salter.

Former Cray Wanderers striker, Freddie Parker, comes in on loan from Isthmian League Premier Division side Lewes, managed by former Wands boss Tony Russell.

Striker MacDonald has taken his first managerial role after a glittering playing career both in the Football League and in non-league football.

MacDonald, who has scored five goals for Barking this season, suffered severe whiplash and muscle sprains in his neck, back and shoulders during a game on 2 October and has been out since then.

Barking welcome tenth-placed Maldon & Tipree to Mayesbrook Park on Friday 14 January (19:45).