Rochester United boss Matt Hume appoints Ian Docker as assistant manager and director of football

ROCHESTER UNITED chairman/manager Matt Hume has appointed Ian Docker as his new assistant manager and director of football at Rede Court Road.

“Ian has a plethora of experience playing and coaching at high levels throughout his career spanning over 300 years, making over 100 games for Gillingham between 1987 and 1991 and is a former England Under 15 schoolboys international,” said a club statement.

“Following his playing career, Ian set up the Gravesend & Northfleet youth section and set-up their full-time youth academy scheme which saw players representing the first team in their victory over Torquay United in The FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, some moving on to League football.

“Ian also worked as the under 16 Gillingham FC manager and took the full-time scholars for training and matches.

“He has also had roles coaching and working at Thamesmead Town, Ramsgate and Ashford United.”

Docker said: “First of all, I would like to thank the board, staff, players, physio staff and the youth section for making me feel very welcome here at Rochester United.

“I’ve always known what a great family club it is but actually being involved internally has really brought this home to me.

“I am delighted to be working alongside Matt, Michael Betts (coach), Sam Sketchley (goalkeeper coach) and the players, who, after the first three pre-season sessions, have shown a high level of fitness and professionalism.”

The Spartans finished their Southern Counties East Football League First Division in sixth-place last season.

Rochester United kick-off their pre-season campaign with a home game against Kennington on Tuesday 4 July.

Meanwhile, the club have recently appointed Paul Bowden-Brown as operations director, with responsibilities for all club operations off the pitch.

One of the first tasks for Bowden-Brown was to change the membership club to a CIC (community interest company).

Once this was completed, a new board was appointed with Matt Hume and Lloyd Hume as directors, shareholders and joint- chairmen, with Bernard Hurst holding a role as director and life president and Bowden-Brown.

Once this was all agreed, discussions took place with the club’s grounds owner and the church commissioners to get the new club’s name assigned to the current lease – all ready for the club’s registration with their respective leagues.

A club statement added: “This has now been completed and negotiations have begun to get the club a satisfactory security of tenure so they can achieve their aims within the new five-year plan for the club and its ground.

“It’s proposed that the club in its new format will increase and support the current thriving youth section, as well as supporting ladies and disability football and working within the local community.”

Hurst founded the club in 1982 under the name of Bly Spartans.

Visit Rochester United’s website: www.rochesterufc.com