Derek Oldfield announces his retirement and steps down as Beckenham Town manager while Glebe appoint Dan Lawrence as their new boss

BECKENHAM TOWN begin the search for a new manager after Derek Oldfield announced his retirement yesterday.

Oldfield guided the Eden Park Avenue outfit to a top-six finish in the Isthmian League South East Division table last season.

“With me leaving Beckenham, that’s actually me done with football,” said Oldfield.

“Forty continuous years of playing at Step One, down to Step Seven and managing/coaching from under sevens up to Step Four.  A career I’m extremely proud off.

“Made many friends along the way and a few enemies – time to relax.

“I can’t thank everyone enough. Jason (Huntley) for bringing me in and giving me a chance at this level.  My management team, the club physios and the fans who follow us home and away and the players, who I know gave everything they could.”

A club statement added: “Del Oldfield has stepped down as manager of Beckenham Town.

“Thank you for all your hard work. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.  We hope to see you down the Avenue this season.”

GLEBE chairman Rocky McMillan appointed former Canterbury City manager Dan Lawrence as his new manager on 30 May.

Fred Dillon, who was halfway through a two-year contract at Foxbury Avenue, parted company with the club on 19 May after guiding the Chislehurst-based club to a fourteenth-placed finish in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division last season.

“We are delighted to announce Dan Lawrence as our new first team manager,” said a club statement.

“Dan brings with him a clear vision for attractive, attacking football, a proven commitment to developing our outstanding young talent and the ability to recruit top-quality players.

“We’re excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to see the progress under his leadership.”