Hampton & Richmond appoint experienced former EFL and non league keeper in first job as manager

Hampton & Richmond appoint the experienced former EFL and non league keeper Alan Julian in what will be first job as first team manager.

Julian began on his professional journey at Brentford, where he honed his skills in the club’s academy and eventually made his debut for the first team in 2002.

Despite his efforts, he couldn’t keep his place as Brentford’s primary goalkeeper and decided to join Stevenage in February 2005.

During his time at Stevenage, Julian played regularly and played a crucial role in the club’s triumph in the FA Trophy in May 2007.

In May 2008, he made a move to Gillingham on a free transfer, and his stay lasted three years, during which he showcased his talent in 80 games before being released in May 2011.

He returned to Stevenage for a season but was released in May 2012. Shortly after, he joined Newport County in June 2012.

Dartford became his next destination for the 2013-14 season, where he excelled and was recognised as the club’s Player of the Year.

Following a brief stint at Sutton United in the National League South, Julian made a switch to Bromley, a rival team in the same division, in January 2015.

His arrival proved instrumental in Bromley’s promotion to the National League in his debut season, and he continued to contribute significantly over the next two years as the club solidified their position in the top tier of non-League football.

In February 2017, Julian transferred to Billericay Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

His time at Billericay spanned three and a half seasons, during which he showcased his skills in over 150 games and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the National League South.

In September 2020, Julian signed with Hampton & Richmond Borough, another team in the National League South, and now he had become their manager.

✍️ We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Julian as our new First Team Manager#HAMRICHFC 🔴🔵 | #ForwardTogether

— Hampton & Richmond FC (@HAMRICHFC) May 13, 2024

CLUB STATEMENT:

Hampton & Richmond FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Julian as the Club’s new First Team Manager. Julian moves into the role having spent the past few seasons at Beveree as both a player and, more recently, as a coach.

The former shot-stopper brings with him 22 years of both Football League and National Experience, including four promotions and an FA Trophy triumph during 645 senior appearances. This season, Alan made the decision to retire from his playing career and make the move into coaching.

Having played a significant role for the Beavers both on the pitch and in the dressing room for several campaigns, Managing Director William King was excited to welcome in the new Manager. “Everyone who knows Alan knows what a model professional he is and the level of love that he has for the game.”

He continued. “Playing to such a high standard throughout his career, and demanding only the very best from his teammates, we are excited to see him take these skills and his desire into management, especially during such an exciting time for the Beavers.”

Will King also noted how impressed the Club was with Alan’s attitude towards the role. “Speaking with Alan over the last week, we realised how aligned his vision of football is with the club. Stretching from his persistent pursuit of excellence and winning to his strong belief in youth and finding local warriors.” 

The club would like to put on record its thanks for the wealth of candidates who applied for the role over the last week. There were several outstanding candidates who we wish all the best of luck to as we turn our attention to the season ahead.

On his appointment, Alan Julian expressed his eagerness to get stuck into the role. “This club has meant a lot to me for the few years that I’ve been here. It is a club with family and community at its core and that has always resonated with me.” He continued. “Speaking to Will and the board, I am really excited about the project here at Hampton & Richmond. I’m a big believer that clubs and squads should operate as sustainably as possible, whilst always driving to be the very best and trying to win every single game.”

The new Boss in TW12 was also keen to send a positive message to Hampton & Richmond supporters. “I’ve had the privilege to be involved in some unbelievable successes in my career which I never take for granted and I understand the level of hard work it takes to achieve that success. I’m determined to make sure this club and these fans get to create more memories and continue to win. I can’t wait to get started and to see everyone at the Bev.”

Alan Julian begins his role effective immediately, and will now begin assessing the squad during the close season. More news will follow in the coming weeks in regards to his coaching team.

We will have a full-length video for Alan’s first interview next week.

Congratulations Alan Julian on your appointment!

JULIAN’S CAREER:

Youth career
2000–2002 – Brentford

Senior career
2002–2005 – Brentford – 19 games
2005–2008 – Stevenage – 160 games
2008–2011 – Gillingham – 80 games
2011–2012 – Stevenage – 5 games
2012–2013 – Newport County – 12 games
2013–2014 – Dartford – 45 games
2014–2015 – Sutton United – 13 games
2015–2017 – Bromley – 85 games
2017–2020 – Billericay Town – 119 games
2020– Hampton & Richmond Borough

International career
2001 – Northern Ireland U18 – 1 game
2001 – Northern Ireland U19 – 3 games
2004 – Northern Ireland U21 – 1 game

Fans gave their thoughts as Hampton & Richmond appoint the experienced former EFL and non league keeper in his first job as manager…

@TheBroadhallWay: Go on @jules_alan 👏 One of the nicest guys in football, some character! 💫

@stuartmrswans: Well, there’s nothing more reassuring than a familiar face! Wishing ‘Jules’ all the very best of luck 👍 BEAVERS 🔴🔵🦫💪

@wilsof1: Congratulations @jules_alan, all the very best, I’m sure you already have a very good idea who you want to keep for the new season so positive news at last. 👍

@BrunelWatcher: Good Luck @jules_alan. Now you get to make the players do the painful pre-season fitness sessions and just sit back and watch 🙂

@AdamStevenson7: Congratulations @jules_alan. Wishing you every success, see you in pre-season 👍

@sparkycreator: Great news. Huge congrats, Alan. I’m sure Beavers’ playing style will be as dominant as your goalkeeping. Let’s go!

@luketuffs: Love this. Such a good guy, hugely knowledgable and has the experience to back it. 10/10 appointment.

@woodruf_gj: @jules_alan Great appointment by Hampton! Every faith you’ll do well with whatever squad you inherit, simply on the basis players are guna play for you and go that extra mile. Best of luck! Its banter from a different angle now Jules! See you at Twerton 🤝⚫️⚪️⚫️

@robshrl: Well played @jules_alan Goalies make the best Managers, so I’ve heard 😉

@collinda37: Congrats Jules, all the best on the coming season 👍

@thelittleowl11: Hope he’s as good as coach as he is between the posts! Good luck @jules_alan!

@AlbionLewis: Good Luck Alan. Wishing you and the team all the best for the coming season.

@woodbee69:Congratulations mate that’s fantastic news. all the best Gaffa 👍

@mikesjoyce_mike: Congratulations Good Luck for the new season

@RevBott: Fantastic appointment, well done Alan

@JamesDeanJD: Congrats @jules_alan, wishing you all the very best 🦫🙏

@footymum73: Love this! 👍🏻😊Good Luck @jules_alan 🙌🏼❤️⚽️

@JordanCP17: Was not expecting this but let’s see what Jules has got. Congrats @jules_alan sure you’ll do us proud

@EdegbeMichael: Yes Jules !!! All the best 🙌🏾