Staplehurst Monarchs unveil Ian Docker as their new manager

STAPLEHURST MONARCHS chair Nicola Stonebridge has appointed Ian Docker as the clubs new manager.

The 55-year-old joined the Jubilee Field based outfit last season as first team coach, as Paul Atkins guided the club to a ninth-placed finish in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table in his last season in charge of the club.

The club has appointed James Delaney as player-assistant manager, having played for the tenth-tier club for the past three seasons.

Both were part of an interim management team that took the reins after Atkins and his management team departed in April, collecting wins over Meridian VP (2-0), FC Elmstead (1-0) and Halls (2-1).

Meridian VP – who failed to attract a fan base larger than the number of players out on the pitch – have finally been relegated from the Southern Counties East Football League and have found their rightful position back in the Kent County League.

“I am delighted with the appointment of Ian and JD  as our first-team management,” said Stonebridge in a statement.

“Both are model professionals and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles.

“Ian has settled in well to Staplehurst and JD is much loved and respected by everyone in and connected to the club.

“This is a very exciting time for us all and we look forward to the new season together.”

Docker brings a plethora of experience playing and coaching at high levels throughout his career, playing over 100 games for Gillingham between 1987 and 1991 and is a former England under 15 schoolboy international.

After hanging up his boots, Docker set up the Gravesend & Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet United) youth section, which was a 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 back in 2008. Some of Liam Daish’s squad made it to League football.

Docker has also had roles coaching and working at Thamesmead Town, Ramsgate and Ashford United.

“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity, alongside JD, to manage Staplehurst Monarchs Football Club,” said Docker.

“We shall both try our utmost to bring success on and off the field and I can’t wait for pre-season to start.”

Delaney, who played college soccer in the United States for Belmont Abbey College, an NCAA Division II programme in North Carolina, where he spent four years, before returning to England to turn out for Sevenoaks & District League side Potters FC, before signing for Staplehurst Monarchs for the 2022-23 season.

Delaney was the captain as Atkins guided the club to the Southern Counties East Football League First Division Play-Off Final, where they lost 1-0 to Larkfield & New Hythe on 4 May 2024.

Delaney added: “I’m absolutely delighted to step into the role of assistant manager.  It’s a real privilege to be trusted with this opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited to take on the challenge.

“I’ve loved being part of this club on the pitch and now I’m looking forward to contributing off it as well, helping shape the team, support the gaffer and keep driving us forward.

“The best part?  I still get to lace up my boots and battle alongside the lads every week. It’s the perfect mix, guiding the boys whilst still being in the thick of it with them.

“We’ve got a great group here, full of character, talent and personality and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together next season.”

Paul Bowden-Brown, meanwhile, has been Chairman of the Staplehurst Monarchs CIC Board and Company Secretary for the past season and will now take on the role of Director in charge of first-team operations next season.

He brings a wealth of experience from his time with several non-league clubs, including Maidstone United, Thamesmead Town, Ramsgate, Ashford United and Rochester United.

“I have known and worked with Ian over many years.  I feel he deserves this opportunity, along with JD, who I respect as a player,” said Mr Bowden-Brown.

“JD is an integral part of the first team, as was proved during the end of last season, and with both in the dug-out, I feel the club will be in safe hands.

“As a club, we know what we need to succeed and we will plan accordingly for the future.

“We also have a nucleus of players proud to wear the club crest.  I hope the supporters and the members of the club get behind the appointment.”

The Football Association has confirmed the 19 sides that will be playing in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division next season.

AFC Greenwich Borough, Banstead Athletic, Bridon Ropes, Chessington & Hook United, Clapton Community, Croydon, FC Elmstead, Greenways, Halls Athletic, Lewisham Borough, Lordswood, Lydd Town or Snodland Town, Rochester United, SE Dons, Sporting Club Thamesmead, Sheppey Sports, Staplehurst Monarchs, Tooting Bec and Welling Town.

Meanwhile, the Premier Division will also contain 19 sides next season.

Bearsted, Corinthian, Erith & Belvedere, Faversham Strikeforce, Fisher, Glebe, Hollands & Blair, Holmesdale, Hythe Town, Kennington, Larkfield & New Hythe, Lydd Town or Snodland Town, Phoenix Sports, Punjab United, Rusthall, Stansfeld, Sutton Athletic, Tunbridge Wells and FA Vase winners Whitstable Town.