Pep Guardiola took on the best of Non-League and he matched it - well done Pep! - while Nathan Simpson's appointed Bridon Ropes' interim manager after Lee Roots steps down after 100 games at the helm

BRIDON ROPES chairman Mick Puszyk has appointed Nathan Simpson as the club’s interim manager after Lee Roots stepped down from the role on Saturday.

 

The Charlton-based outfit suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to FC Elmstead, which leaves them in fourteenth (bottom five) in the tenth-tier Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having collected 17 points (four wins, two draws and 11 defeats).

Roots, who has previously managed Forest Hill Park, Holmesdale and AFC Croydon Athletic, tendered his resignation after the game, which was accepted by Mr Puszyk.

“Lee has served Bridon Ropes FC with great commitment over the past two years, taking charge of more than 100 matches and contributing significantly to the club both on and off the pitch,” said Mr Puszyk in a statement.

“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Lee for his hard work, professionalism and dedication  during his time with the club.

“Everyone at Bridon Ropes FC wishes him well and every success in his future endeavours.

“Bridon Ropes FC are pleased to confirm the return of Nathan Simpson, who will take charge of the first team as interim manager with immediate effect.

“Nathan is well known to the club and brings valuable experience and continuity during this transitional period.”

Simpson’s first game in charge is Saturday’s trip to Chessington & Hook United, the side rooted at the foot of the table, having picked up five points (one win, two draws) from their first 16 games.

The Surrey outfit are seven points adrift of Lydd Town.

Bridon Ropes now invite applications for the position of first team manager and applicants are asked to submit a CV and covering email directly to chairman@bridonropesfc.com ahead of the closing date of Friday 9 January.

Meanwhile, former Sevenoaks Town manager, Harry Hudson and their former first-team coach Dan Hogan were part of Calum McFarlane’s management team for their 1-1 draw away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Premier League yesterday.

McFarlane – Chelsea’s Under 21 coach – was appointed interim manager following Enzo Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge on New Years' Day after 18 months in charge - and is expected to return to his youth-team coaching duties as the London club are expected to unveil their new manager today.

It was McFarlane's first game in charge of a side at first-team level and the trio can be proud of their pathway from the highly-acclaimed Kinetic Academy, our local non-league club's to a Premier League powerhouse.

Hudson – who has previously managed Croydon, Whyteleafe, Glebe and Sevenoaks Town - left eighth-tier Sevenoaks Town (Isthmian League South East Division) in November 2023 to take a coaching role at Southampton, before his move to Chelsea and pitting his wits against one of the most successful manager's in world football.

Current Sevenoaks Town manager Marcel Minami summed up the mood at the Greatness Park club, proudly tweeting: “Pep Guardiola took on the best of Non-League and he matched it – well done Pep! Harry Hudson is the weekend tweet.”