Lordswood unveil Simon Halsey as their new boss

LORDSWOOD have today unveiled Simon Halsey as their new manager.

Vice chairman, Paul Caulfield, issued a statement on the club’s official website and said: “We are very pleased to welcome Simon to Lordswood and look forward to working with him to build on the successes of this year.  

“Simon has proven Kent League pedigree having had a successful period with Herne Bay.  His experience and knowledge are there for all to see.”

Halsey’s Herne Bay team finished runners-up twice before winning the league at the third attempt at the end of last season.  They also won the Kent League Cup twice and narrowly missed out on a Wembley appearance when they lost in the semi-finals of the FA Vase to West Auckland last season.

Mr Caulfield added: “We are keen to retain as many of the present squad as possible.  There is a fantastic morale and team spirit here and we would very much like that to continue.  Simon is aware of the calibre of players that we currently have and will be talking with them all shortly to discuss his vision for the forthcoming season.”

This has been the most successful season in Lordswood’s history having reached the fourth round of The FA Vase, going out to finalists Spennymoor Town, the final of the Kent Senior Trophy, losing to FA Vase finalists Tunbridge Wells, semi-final of the Kent League Cup, and it’s highest ever league placing.

“The club is in a good place right now and is in a prime position to kick on and take the successes of this season even further,” added Mr Caulfield.  “The committee believes that Simon is the right man to do that and we are already looking forward to next season. “

The club would like to place on record it’s thanks and appreciation to outgoing manager Jason Lillis. 

“Jason has done a fantastic job in the three and a half years that he has been here,” said Mr Caulfield. 

“He feels he has done all he can here and with the offer of a role higher up the football pyramid no-one can blame him for looking to test himself at a bigger level.  We wish him all the best at Whitstable Town.”

Meanwhile, assistant manager Steve Arnold has been asked to stay at the club to work with Simon and the club are hopeful that he will. 

“Steve has been a fantastic servant to the club and is a superb coach,” said Mr Caulfield.  “We sincerely hope that he stays and helps the club to continue with the progress that has been made and that he has been involved in himself.”

The club would like to thank everyone who applied for the vacancy and would like to wish them all well in their current roles or in their search for a managerial role.

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk  

Lordswood  v  Rochester United
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Friday 3^rd May 2013
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent ME5 8YE