I want to say how privileged I feel to have been trusted with this opportunity and I’ll be giving everything I can both on and off the pitch, says newly-appointed Phoenix Sports player-manager Jake Goodman

PHOENIX SPORTS chairman Tony Crowder has appointed Jake Goodman as player-manager after remaining unbeaten in three games in caretaker charge of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

The club have also appointed coach James Marrs, giving him his first job in the ninth-tier of English football. 

Goodman initially took over the reigns on a temporary basis following the sacking of Darren Anslow on 16 September after less than a year in the job and has overseen a significant improvement in performances and results.

The relegated side beat Sporting Bengal United 4-1 at home in The FA Vase before coming away from Gravesend with a point in a 1-1 League draw at Punjab United, before thrashing relegated side Hythe Town 4-1 at home.

Goodman, 32, will continue his playing role with the club, having made 15 appearances and scoring five goals this season.

Marrs beings a wealth of coaching pedigree, having previously worked at Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and also managed the Gillingham Women's side.

“I want to say how privileged I feel to have been trusted with this opportunity and I’ll be giving everything I can both on and off the pitch,” said Goodman, as he embarks on his first managerial role at first-team level.

“I want to thank Tony Crowder, the club’s chairman, for his belief in us.  He has been brilliant with me ever since I signed for the club.

“The message to the players is clear, keep working hard, keep improving and keep believing.

“We’ve shown what we can do in recent matches but we have to maintain those levels week in, week out. 

“This is a great club with brilliant supporters and the ambition is to grow it into something even more special.”

Chairman Tony Crowder said in a club statement: “After a lengthy process, this is a really exciting moment for Phoenix.

“Jake has been a fantastic captain and we know he will carry that same passion and leadership into management.  He knows the club and has the respect of the dressing room.

“To also add someone of James Marrs’ calibre as coach is a massive boost – his experience at top levels of the game shows the quality of coaching we’re bringing in.   Together, they represent the fresh energy and ambition that will help drive Phoenix forward.”

Phoenix Sports sit in 12^th place in the table, having picked up 15 points (four wins, three draws and four defeats) from their 11 games back in the ninth-tier of English football following their relegation from the Isthmian League under Anslow at the end of last season.

The Barnehust-based outfit are only four points adrift of fifth-placed side Sutton Athletic and 12 clear of the relegation zone and will climb into eighth-place should they win their next game.

Keith McMahon – who was at the club under legendary Phoenix Sports manager Steve O’Boyle, as well as being manager  – brings his Corinthian side to Mayplace Road East on Friday night.

Corinthian sit in the bottom three (before tonight’s match between Stansfeld and Erith & Belvedere) having picked up five points (one win and two draws) from their opening 10 games.

Visit Phoenix Sports’ website: www.phoenixsportsfc.co.uk