Lordswood unveil Matt Barman as their new manager

LORDSWOOD have unveiled Matt Barman as their new manager.

Barman played for Lordswood briefly in the 90’s under Gary Doe and was a prolific goalscorer for Milton Athletic in the Kent County League and Quested in Sunday League football.

He has been in management for nearly 15 years, having started out with Milton and more recently at youth level at Whitstable Town.

Dan Tanner has been appointed assistant manager and Paul Murray comes in as first-team coach.

Tanner played for the likes of Folkestone Invicta, Sittingbourne, Ashford United and Ramsgate in the Isthmian League.

Richard Dimmock and his entire management team all resigned from their roles last Monday and the club announced the following day that former manager Jason Lillis has come in as director of football.

Murray, meanwhile, previously managed at league rivals Canterbury City and Deal Town and has also held assistant manager posts at Ramsgate and Whitstable Town.

Murray is a former professional footballer and started his career at Charlton Athletic, whilst also playing International football for Northern Ireland at under 18 and under 21 level before being called up to the senior squad.

Murray is a qualified UEFA A Licenced coach since 2018 and has worked for Crystal Palace’s Development squad for three years.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity to become part of the Lordswood family,” Barman said in a statement.

“Being a Chatham last and having played for Lordswood under the legend that is Gary Doe, gives it that extra edge for me.

“I’ve managed now for approaching 15 years and feel that overall I have been successful winning titles and cups along the way and I hope to bring a winning mentality to the club.

“As a player, my heart was always at Quested and Milton where I had many successful years as well as some semi-pro clubs along the way.

"In the short-term, we will be looking for intensity and commitment from the boys while we work with them on what we see as their roles and responsibilities and the shape and style we want to play.

"Looking at the teams record this season, there have been some impressive results. I read earlier that someone said how the previous manager had left the club in a better place than when he found it - I couldn't agree more and we want to replicate this and in time add to it.

"Long-term we want to create an environment of opportunity and eventually have a core of local players that are committed to the club. This certainly isn't an overnight thing but I thoroughly believe it is achievable.

“I see so many talented young players falling out of love with the game due to missed opportunities. Whilst it is important to have experience within the team, we believe that age is just a number. If you're good enough and bring the right level of commitment and desire, whether you’re in your 30s or late teens, we'll help nurture the talent and progress it through the club."

Lordswood are presently sitting in 13^th place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, with 24 points (seven wins, three draws) from their 21 games.

Barman takes charge of Lordswood for the first time when they welcome Ashford-based Kennington to Martyn Grove on Tuesday, 17 January (19:45).

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.club