Gillingham make official approach for Bromley manager Andy Woodman

BROMLEY have confirmed that they have received an official approach from League One side Gillingham for permission to speak to manager Andy Woodman.

 

The 50-year-old former Arsenal coach took charge of the National League club last March, following the controversial departure of Neil Smith, a former Gillingham midfielder.

Woodman has since guided the Lillywhites to the play-offs for the first time at the end of last season, before losing 3-2 at Hartlepool United, who went on to win promotion alongside champions Sutton United.

This season, the Lillywhites are in fifth-place in the National League table, having collected 41 points from 22 games and are six points adrift of leaders AFC Halifax Town.

A club statement said: “Although the club has no intention of wishing to let Andy depart, we have always looked to do the right thing by our staff and players when official approaches have been made, and thus, permission has been granted for both parties to speak.

“Gillingham are fully aware of the terms of Andy’s contract with Bromley Football Club and the level of compensation required.”

Bromley chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves added: “I will do my absolute best to retain Andy’s services and I very much wish to keep him at Bromley Football Club.

“Equally though, I accept the prospect of immediately managing an EFL League One side will be difficult for Andy to refuse.”

Gillingham parted company with Steve Evans on 9 January 2022 and Steve Lovell – who was Smith’s assistant manager at Hayes Lane for a short period – is in interim charge at Priestfield Stadium.

Bromley, meanwhile, have a history of managers returning to Hayes Lane for a second spell in charge, including the legenadary George Wakeling and many fans would welcome Smith back at his home-town club with open arms, should Woodman depart for a club two league's higher.

Gillingham are second-from-bottom in League One, having collected three wins and nine draws from their 25 league outings.

The Gills - without a win in 13 games in all competitions - are nine points adrift of safety, taking goal-difference into account, with 19 games remaining.

Gillingham's last league win was picked up on Tuesday 19 October when they beat Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at Priestfield Stadium.

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