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Bromley appoint ex-Brentford, Oxford, Northampton, Colchester player as new manager

Bromley appoint an ex-Brentford, Oxford, Northampton, Colchester player as their new manager, coming in to replace Neil Smith.

The 49-year-old oversaw 225 games as their boss, leaves with the club seventh in the National League having lost just one of their past five games – a 3-1 defeat by leaders Sutton United.

Bromley had occupied the final playoff place but sides below have games in hand, now Woodman’s got to come in a really shine if they want to stay in those playoffs.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Bromley Football Club can confirm the appointment of Andy Woodman as First Team Manager.

The 49 year old holds 15 years of coaching experience, most of which has been in the Premier League, and will take charge with immediate effect ahead of Friday’s clash with Wealdstone.

In his playing career, Woodman started out at Crystal Palace and went on to play for Northampton Town, Brentford, Southend United and Colchester United among others.

He started his coaching journey in 2006 with Football League outfit Rushden & Diamonds, where he was assistant manager. Following this, he reunited with former team mate Alan Pardew as goalkeeping coach at West Ham United. The pair then moved onto Charlton Athletic, where they spent three years together, before being appointed at Newcastle United.

Following a five year stint at St James’ Park, Woodman then returned South with Pardew to continue his Premier League coaching career, becoming a coach at Crystal Palace.

Woodman arrives at Hayes Lane from Arsenal, where he was appointed Head of Goalkeeping in 2018, working alongside some of the country’s top goalkeepers and professionals.

With his breadth of experience at the very top level in the professional game, Andy has all the necessary skills and knowledge to progress the Club further on its journey.

Woodman, who holds a track record of coaching in the Premier League, is excited to get started at Hayes Lane:

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious Club and am looking forward to working towards fulfilling that ambition. The Chairman and his vision for the Club, along with the existing and planned facilities make for an incredibly exciting time ahead for players, staff and supporters.”

As mentioned, the decision to get rid of Neil Smith has left supporters stunned, considering where they are in the table and how he’s done at the club.

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.”

WOODMAN’S PLAYING CAREER:

1989–1994 – Crystal Palace
1994–1995 – Exeter City – 6 games
1995–1999 – Northampton Town – 160 games
1999 → Brentford (loan)
1999–2001 – Brentford – 60 games
2000 → Peterborough United (loan)
2000 → Southend United (loan) – 17 games
2000 → Colchester United (loan) – 6 games
2001–2002 – Colchester United – 48 games
2002 → Oxford United (loan) – 12 games
2002–2004 – Oxford United – 89 games
2004–2005 – Stevenage Borough – 21 games
2005 – Redbridge
2005 – Thurrock – 14 games
2005–2006 – Rushden & Diamonds
Total – 438 games

Fans reacted as Bromley appoint an ex-Brentford, Oxford, Northampton, Colchester player as new manager…

@AFCMet: Andy Woodman head of goalkeeping at Arsenal U23s, has become first team manager at my local club Bromley!

@Ian_Jeffery: LOL. Yeah good one. You know April 1st is on Thursday, right?

@james__herd: Delighted we brought in someone who has experience at this level…

@Jacob46732125: Theoretically this could go very well or very bad. Good luck Andy!!

@Paula_Griffin65: Excellent choice.. One of the true gents of the game…

@TheMedwayraven: Managed 1 club.. whitehawk for 6 months win percentage of %33.33 6 wins 3 draws 9 loses

@tomreedntfc: One of the few goalkeepers to save a penalty at Wembley. Good luck Woody.

@PetePhilWill: Well. Good luck Andy and welcome to the club.

@NayfanDenny: Can’t lie, I’ve got no faith. But welcome to the club Andy, please prove me wrong

@Nogud2: Great Goalie…..always a Cobbler is Woody.

@Jameso04: Terrible appointment.

@MashStPaddy: Huh? Is the plan to utilise his contacts at the top level of the game as this is surely not what fans expected…

@joshbuckf1: #WeAreBromley | A great appointment for a team like Bromley – having some one who has worked with some of the best goalkeepers in the @premierleague

@steverh87: Would have thought it would be someone with at least some managerial experience. Bizarre to sack Smith if this is what was lined up

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