Phoenix Sports boss Paul Bryon welcomes Joe Ford into his management team

Monday 01st June 2020

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Paul Bryon has appointed Joe Ford as his new coach.

 

Ford was the manager of Southern Counties East Football League First Division side Sporting Club Thamesmead when his life was turned upside down by contracting sepsis on Friday 29 March 2019, which forced his retirement from the game.

However, he has bravely battled back and despite losing his father Martin to cancer on Tuesday 19 May 2020, is back in the dug-out, this time with Isthmian League South East Division side Phoenix Sports.

A club statement said: “Joe is a highly qualified coach that has worked at many senior football clubs in Kent.

“After a tough 18 months with a personal illness and family tragedy, Joe is now in a position where he is fit and well enough to return to football and we are delighted to have him, and his skills, on board with us at Phoenix.

“Joe is excited to be joining us and getting back into football as the game has been so important to him from an early age.

“We are pleased to give him that opportunity and together we look forward to returning to action.”

The Football Association nor the Isthmian League have informed clubs when the 2020-21 season will start.

Last season was declared null and void and results expunged in a controversial manner by The Football Association due to the coronavirus pandemic that has  sadly killed 38,489 people in the UK.

Visit Phoenix Sports website: www.phoenixsportsclub.co.uk