Fans shocked as Bromley announce sacking of their manager

Bromley announce the sacking of their manager Neil Smith with the club currently sitting 7th and in the National League playoffs.

It is a decision that has left supporters stunned, considering where they are in the table and how he’s done at the club.

The sacking comes less than two days after his side fell to a 3-1 defeat to league leaders Sutton United.

The Club can today confirm that Neil Smith has been relieved of his duties as First Team manager.

— Bromley FC (@bromleyfc) March 25, 2021

A club statement said: Bromley Football Club can today confirm that Neil Smith has been relieved of his duties as First Team manager.

Neil, who recently took charge of his 225th Bromley game, parted ways with the Club this morning following discussions with owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves.

Stanton-Gleaves commented: “This has been a difficult decision to make and one that has not been taken lightly. Having continued to review First Team performances and developments over an extended period of time, I now believe a change in leadership is required for us to progress further on our journey.”

“Neil has undoubtedly played an integral part in pushing the Club forward both on and off the pitch. He has given Academy scholars First Team opportunities and his work within our community on bringing players and supporters closer together has been invaluable. I know supporters will never forget him guiding us to an appearance at Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1949, in an FA Trophy Final.”

“He has had my full respect and support during my Chairmanship and I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Bromley Football Club to place on record our sincere thanks to Neil for all the work he has done during his near decade with the Club and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Following four years as the Club’s assistant manager, Neil took interim charge at Hayes Lane in February 2016 before being named First Team Manager in April of that year.

Since then, Neil has led Bromley to finishes of 10th, 9th and 12th before a curtailed end to the 2019/20 season saw the Ravens finish 13th in the Vanarama National League based on PPG.

However, the Club’s ultimate ambition remains to reach the Football League and the search for a new First Team manager will begin immediately, with a view to having a new manager in place in a timely manner.

The Club will update supporters on an interim replacement in due course, as well as once a permanent appointment has been made.

Fans were left shocked as Bromley announce the sacking of their manager…

@NayfanDenny: What? Ahh man, yesterday was 3 years since we qualified for Wembley, and for that Smudger will go down in history for the club. All the best Neil

@emilyheria: Really disappointed that this has happened. good luck with wherever you go next Smudger and thanks for everything, getting to Wembley is a day we will never forget

@willdrummond11: Thank you for everything, Neil.

@Mister_Llama: Neil Smith has done a fantastic job at @bromleyfc think it’s a dreadful mistake to let him go

@Ant_BromleyFC: Smudger was our man & shouldn’t have been let go. Grass is not always greener, stick with what we know. Thank you for everything Neil & very best for the future in these very challenging times 🙏🏻 #FamilyClub???

@DerekXMorriss: That’s sad news. Thank you Smudger and best of luck wherever you go next 👏🏼 #WeAreBromley ⚫️⚪️

@dpearsoncfc: In the play offs places. Where do Bromley think they should be in the league?!?

@MikeStanger57: WTF? This is crap. Who made this decision ?

@MashStPaddy: If the club had made this decision when we were ‘struggling’ last month I would have understood it if not agreed. Now when we’re 7th with 14 games to go suggests there is more to it than meets the eye. A defeat to the league leaders couldnt have been the ‘final straw’….

@jasonCPFCboxall: Gutted about this can’t lie

@lukerichards101: Notts County are 6th, Bromley are 7th. Both in the playoffs. Why have you both sacked your managers?

@Ben2Toovey: We’re in a pandemic it’s been a tough year for everyone, should of at least seen the season out still in with a chance of the playoffs. Bad move. All the best @neil_smudge

@Craigyyy15: Should of been given till the end of the season! Thanks smudger

@Tristan_ATFC: Weird to sack the manager, without having a replacement lined up straight away

@Jacob46732125: It’s sad to see it actually happen. Good luck for the future Neil

@MichaelR001: A very bad move for the club, all the best for the future Neil

@dksmith1616: Very bad timing by the chairman.

@timboweebler: Shocked to hear it. Neil, you will be missed

@Mister_Llama: Shocking decision

@Matt_Dozza: All the best smudger

@MikeHead8: He is some act to follow , some memorable wins, a trip to Wembley & survival in National league. Best of luck Smudge , always had time for questions & answered with honesty .

@wdwfan1973: Gutted to hear this! Smudge you will be missed, all the best!

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