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Aldershot begin search for new manager, Maidstone and Chelmsford make appointments

Aldershot Town begin their search for a new manager, while Maidstone United and Chelmsford City make appointments of their own.

After five months at the Shots, John Still departs for a Head of Football role at ambitious National League South club Chelmsford, who have also appointed Mark Cooper in charge.

Maidstone United have made a decision on their replacement for manager George Elokobi, naming Craig Fagan as his replacement having been the club’s assistant manager.

Aldershot are save for another season in the National League, with 46 points from 45 games played, 4 points above the drop zone with one game to go.

Chelmsford meanwhile are 10th in the National League South, with 73 points from 45 games played, and are unable to claim a playoff place, as they’re 4 points from those.

Maidstone however still have a glimmer of hope in finishing in them, sitting 9th with 74 points from 45 games, 3 points from those, Maidenhead 8th with 76 points, while Weston-super-Mare (7th), Ebbsfleet (6th) and Torquay (5th), all have 77 points.

Aldershot said in their statement: “The club can confirm that after a meeting took place today at The EBB Stadium with Deane Wood and John Coleman, both have agreed a mutual termination of John Coleman’s contract here at Aldershot Town.

“John will remain in charge for the final game of the season this Saturday Vs Truro, so please join us in giving John a loud and proud send-off!

“Signing for the Shots as first-team manager back in October 2025, John joined us in a period with one of our hardest challenges as a football club on the pitch. By the start of December, we were 7 points adrift in the relegation zone, having secured just 13 points in this time. From then, with a number of key signings John and the squad turned things around, with a run which put us to the top of the form list continuing into the new year.

“Deane Wood expressed his gratitude for John’s efforts and the way which he carried himself, but most importantly, keeping the club up, but feels a change is needed due to the recent run of results, giving the club the best possible chance of a reset in the summer.

“This football club would like to thank John for his efforts during his time here, and wish him all the very best for his future endeavors!

“The club can also confirm that player-coach James Henry will also be leaving at the end of the season after our final fixture Vs Truro.

“James, featuring 83 times for the Shots scoring 22 goals in the red and blue, James has been a huge part both on and off the pitch during the past 2 seasons, and we’d like to thank him for all his efforts during his time here as well.”

As per Chelmsford’s chairman Spencer Gore: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Cooper as Men’s First Team Manager of Chelmsford City Football Club.

“Mark is a proven winner, with a wealth of experience across the Football League and National League, and a track record of building competitive, promotion-chasing sides. His teams are known for their identity, organisation, and ability to deliver results — qualities that are fully aligned with our ambitions as a football club.

“This is a hugely important appointment for us.

“As we continue on our journey to build a club that is ready to compete at the next level, securing the right leader for our first team was critical. We have taken our time, spoken to a number of strong candidates, and I firmly believe Mark is the standout choice to take us forward.

“He brings not only experience, but clarity, standards, and a winning mentality.

“From our very first conversations, it was clear that Mark understood exactly what we are trying to build here — a club with ambition, structure, and a clear pathway to success.

“This is not about short-term fixes.

“This is about building something sustainable, something competitive, and something our supporters can be proud of.

“Mark will work closely with our wider football structure, including John Still as Head of Football, to ensure we are aligned in how we identify, recruit, and develop players capable of taking this club forward.

“Together, we are building a football operation designed for success.

“To our supporters — this is another clear signal of intent. We are continuing to invest in the right people, the right structure, and the right foundations to move this club forward.

There is still a lot of hard work ahead.

“But we are building momentum.

“And I truly believe this is another major step on our journey.”

Chelmsford’s new manager Mark Cooper said: “I have had a few promotions in my career, so that’s what I want to do, get another promotion and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.

“Speaking to Spencer we’ve had some really positive conversations and I’m delighted to be working for someone like him because I made a pledge to myself that, when I did get back into work, I wanted to work for really good people.

“I’m really excited to getting to work straight away, I officially start in a few weeks but now I’ll be sitting down with John, Ricky & Spencer and working out how we can have the best possible team at the club and try and take this club to the National League.”

Chelmsford City Head of Football John Still said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Chelmsford City, I have had some really good conversations with Spencer recently and it’s a really exciting project to be part of.

“I feel I have a good bit of knowledge that I can bring to the club so we can start working towards what we want to achieve and help out in every way I can.

“I am looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible, working alongside Spencer and a new manager to take this club where we want to be.”

There has also been an appointment at Maidstone, who have said: “Craig Fagan has been appointed as the new manager of Maidstone United Football Club.

“The former Hull City and Colchester United forward became assistant manager to George Elokobi in February 2023, with the duo overseeing the club’s historic FA Cup run in 2023/24 and back‑to‑back play‑off finishes in the National League South.

“Craig will formally take up his new role next month, at which point he will announce his management team and begin player recruitment ahead of the 2026/27 season.

“George Elokobi will continue to manage the team up to and including the final game of the season. This will include any end‑of‑season play‑off fixtures, should the club finish in the top seven following this weekend’s away match against Bath City.”

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