I want to finish this season on a high and then prepare for next season, says Bromley permanent boss Neil Smith

BROMLEY have appointed Neil Smith as their permanent full-time manager after 13 games in interim charge at Hayes Lane.

Bromley resident Smith, 44, who attended The Ravensbourne School, Hayes Lane, has agreed a two-year contract with immediate effect.

Smith, 44, took over from Mark Goldberg on 4 February with the club sitting in fourteenth-place in the Vanarama National League table.

Goldberg had led the club to their first league title in 54 years when the Vanarama Conference South title was won in April 2015 and The Ravens are now playing at their highest level of football in their 124-year history.

Chairman Jerry Dolke told www.bromleyfc.tv/site: “We have taken time to assess our position and the board have unanimously concluded that Neil and his team have the capability to match the ambitions of the club.”

Smith added: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and would like to thank the board for their backing.

“I’d also like to thank the fans for their continued support, which home and away has been amazing all season.”

Bromley completed the double over Lincoln City on Saturday, as goals from Adam Cunnington and Bradley Goldberg sealed a 2-0 win at Hayes Lane.

The Ravens are in eleventh-place in the National League table, having won 17 games, drawn eight and lost 17 and have four league games of the season left.

Smith, who was Goldberg’s assistant manager and played for Gillingham between 1991-1997, continued: “Everybody’s support and especially yourself has been fantastic since I’ve been here, so I hopefully can repay that support.

“It will be harder again next season with two strong sides from the National League South and the two coming down (from League Two).

“It’ll be tough and brilliant. I want to finish this season on a high and then prepare for next season.”

Bromley have a tradition of appointing locally based managers with George Wakeling, Dave Garland, Frank Coles, Goldberg, Hayden Bird and now Smith all living close to the club’s Hayes Lane base.

Bromley travel to Altrincham on Saturday, before hosting Torquay United on 16 April, before travelling up to Gateshead seven days later and completing their campaign at home to Aldershot Town on 30 April.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv