Fisher and Croydon unveil new management teams

Wednesday 24th June 2009

BOTH Fisher and Croydon have confirmed details about their management teams, as they both look forward to pastures new, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisher, who were elected into the Bulmers Cider Kent League last Thursday, are delighted to announce that Gary Lisney has returned to the club as first team manager.

Lisney will be a familiar name to many of the supporters as former manager Wayne Burnett’s number two when Fisher Athletic were competing in the Blue Square South.

At Monday night’s meeting with members, chairman Martin Eede confirmed that there were two names in the running to lead the newly formed club for their Bulmers Cider Kent League campaign, which kick’s off on 8th August.

“Gary was the standout candidate who is already a popular and a well respected figure around the club,” Mr Eede said in his statement, sent to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“He has the club’s best interests at heart and is excited by the project we have here.

“He comes in highly recommended by his former piers, he’s gained good experience at Conference level and has many contacts in the non-league game.”

Former Molesey, Dulwich Hamlet and Fisher Athletic chairman Mr Eede also confirmed at Monday night’s meeting that Fisher will be playing at Champion Hill RENT FREE and that the playing staff and management team will be amateur.

“The new manager is one of our own and I know Gary will do everything possible to ensure we have a competitive team for the next campaign and beyond,” added the chairman.

Under Burnett, Fisher Athletic gained a reputation for playing some of the best free flowing and attacking football in non-league football.

And Mr Eede was keen to ensure these fine traditions would be upheld by the new manager.

He said: “Lisney’s certainly got the pedigree having worked with Burnett for so long. Hopefully our new side will be good to watch next year and our supporters should have much to enjoy.

“It’s the least they deserve after suffering so much upheaval over the past year or so.”

Lisney was listed as the chairman of Welling United’s youth section last season and before that was the joint-reserve team manager at tenants Erith & Belvedere.

Meanwhile, Croydon, who switched to the Cherry Red Combined Counties League last week, have also appointed a new managerial team to replace former Holmesdale trio Tony Beckingham, Ken Thurgood and Tony Prime, the new managerial team at Sussex County League side Lingfield.

Former Tunbridge Wells manager Mike Robbins, who was appointed manager late on Sunday night, has moved swiftly to appoint his backroom staff, that he hopes will make the Surrey club a force within their new surroundings.

Robbins has appointed former Haywards Heath player coach, Steve Sallis, 31, as his assistant manager and former Chatham Town and Slade Green coach Matt Longhurst, 28, has been appointed first team coach at the Croydon Sports Arena outfit.

Sallis, who arrives fresh from the Sussex County League and still plays in midfield, started his playing career as a professional with Brighton & Hove Albion, before moving into non-league football to play for Grays Athletic, Lewes and Burgess Hill Town amongst others.

He first teamed up with Robbins at Ashford Town and again at Hythe where coach Robbins was instrumental in the midfielder signing for Paul Fisk’s side.

Sidcup based Sallis is currently studying for his Masters degree.

Longhurst, a UEFA A Licence holder, needs no introduction to supporters in this part of the world.

He was most recently employed by Chatham Town last season, working closely with then manager Steve Binks and also had spells in management with Kent League side Slade Green and the highly successful Dartford under 21s.

The Dartford side that Longhurst was involved in contained many players that have both moved up to the first team and also on to higher things.

Greenhithe based Longhurst has also run his own successful coaching business and now works as a recruitment manager.

“I am very pleased with the team that I have assembled off the pitch,” Robbins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk in a statement today.

“Matt is a fantastic coach and Steve is a great leader in the dressing room.

“I think that all three of us will complement each others style superbly.”

Robbins, meanwhile, invites current and new players to Croydon’s opening pre-season training session, which gets underway at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, next Tuesday, at 7:30pm.

Visit Fisher’s website: www.afcfisher.weebly.com

Visit Croydon’s website: www.croydonfc.co.uk