Plymouth Parkway make ‘statement of intent’ appointment in ex-EFL and non league player

Plymouth Parkway make ‘statement of intent’ appointment in ex-EFL and non league player Chris McPhee as their new first team manager.

Chris McPhee has been appointed as the new manager of Plymouth Parkway, with the aim of taking them to the next level.

After his playing career, he worked as a coach in Exeter City’s Academy, but now the 41-year-old has become Lee Hobbs’s replacement after he recently stepped down from his position at Bolitho Park.

Hobbs had guided the team to safety in the Southern League Premier Division with a 1-1 draw against Beaconsfield Town on the final day of the season.

Now they are hoping to push on and hope to do better for 2024/25, and to assist McPhee is Lee Peacock.

Hobbs helped Plmyouth Parkway to three promotions, and now McPhee is determined to continue the club’s upward trajectory and ultimately secure a place in the National League South.

A new dawn…

“I can’t wait to get to work”

Plymouth Parkway is delighted to announce Chris McPhee as new first team manager…

Full story. ⬇️#ppfc @swsportsnews

— Plymouth Parkway FC (@PlymouthPFC) May 15, 2024

STATEMENT:

Plymouth Parkway Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chris “Macca” McPhee as the new manager at Bolitho Park.

With a long career in football, Chris has graced several clubs, including Brighton, Torquay United, and Swindon Town, before transitioning into coaching with Exeter City Football Club. Joining him in the dugout as assistant manager is former Scottish professional footballer, Lee Peacock, whose career boasts stints at clubs such as Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, and Swindon Town. Like Chris, Lee has honed his coaching skills, notably achieving success with Swindon Town as Head of Youth Coaching.

Chris brings a fresh vision and his unique philosophy to Plymouth Parkway as the club prepares for the 2024-25 Southern League Premier South Division. Reflecting on his appointment, Macca expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity, and now that it’s official, I can’t wait to get to work. This is a club I’m eager to elevate to the next level, and it’s imperative that we all share that ambition.”

Vice-Chairman Gez Baggott commended Chris’s professionalism and forward-thinking approach, adding: Chris impressed us with his professionalism & vision he has in store for Plymouth Parkway. Chris and Lee have the experience of higher level football, which will benefit this club in trying to reach the next level. We are extremely excited about this appointment & looking forward to the future.”

Chairman Mark Russell and Gez Baggott, marking their second managerial appointment at Bolitho Park, are both in agreement as a new dawn approaches for the club. The chairman shares: “The chairman shares: “To get the calibre of applications we have had is credit to the progression shown by the football club over the years, to be able to secure Chris and Lee is great for the football club and will continue to help develop the relationships with other local clubs, as well as helping to develop home grown talent through the ever growing youth setup at the club. We are delighted to have agreed with Chris and Lee to join the club, and look forward to them meeting everyone involved in the club.”

Plymouth Parkway extends a warm welcome to Chris and Lee as they embark on their journey, implementing their own ideas to develop the club and engage with our devoted fan base.

Chris McPhee’s playing career

Youth career
–1999 – Brighton & Hove Albion

Senior career*
(*Club domestic league appearances and goals)
1999–2006 – Brighton & Hove Albion – 60 games (4 goals)
2005 → Aldershot Town (loan) – 14 games (2 goals)
2006 → Swindon Town (loan) – 8 games (0 goals)
2006–2007 – Torquay United – 37 games (0 goals)
2007–2008 – Ebbsfleet United – 44 games (5 goals)
2008–2009 – Weymouth – 30 games (7)
2009–2011 – Kidderminster Harriers – 103 games (31)
2011–2012 – Torquay United – 26 games (2 goals)
2012–2014 – Salisbury City – 82 games (16 goals)
2014–2016 – Weymouth – 53 games (5 goals)
2016 – Frome Town

International career
2008 – England C – 3 games (0 goals)

Twitter users reacted as Plymouth Parkway make ‘statement of intent’ appointment in ex-EFL and non league player Chris McPhee…

@HammacottJ: Statement of intent right there. Exciting times 👏👏👍

@cameron_pickard: Welcome aboard Chris and @LeePeacock76. Looking forward to meeting you both and for the journey to begin 💛💙

@RobSimons78: Impressive interview

@daveosh27: Well done Chris all the best

@YamGilly: From the interview you can tell he is intelligent, very professional and has a huge list of contacts in the South West. Also great to see an early appointment made, he has all summer to do his business.

@albijohn99: former Brighton centreforward, never quite set the world alight as a player but a great lad and good coach. Hope it goes well at Parkway

@cameron_pickard: Comes across very well

@BigtelDaw: Impressive

@HammacottJ: Definitely talks the talk. Sounds assured. Gonna need to strengthen squad, watch this space I recon.

@beachpikey: What a man.

@blueKJL: 👏

@BigTonyRadford: Congrats Macca….. 💪

@chelseaboybrett: Congrats Chris 👍💛

@DjmflMedia: Excellent appointment, well done to the board of Parkway