Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha’s non league club appoint experienced former EFL player/manager

Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha’s non league club Croydon Athletic appoint experienced former EFL player/manager Keith Millen.

The 58 year old comes in as replacement for Jermaine McGlashan who stepped down in September after just under a year at the helm.

The club said ‘McGlashan took over as manager with the club in 17th place in the Combined Counties League and steered the team into the playoffs.

‘Two tough away games were successfully negotiated to see promotion secured last May.   There has been a mixed start to this season but the team is still waiting for its first win in the league.’

But since then, Croydon have climbed up to 10th in the Isthmian League – South East Division with 20 points from 15 games (W4 D8 L3), and are now unbeaten in their last 10 matches in the league.

Being a Croydon native, Millen’s appointment not only brings top-tier football experience but also reinforces the club’s connection with the local community.

Before joining AFC Croydon Athletic, Millen was involved with Gillingham as head of academy coaching. His background in youth development could be particularly beneficial for nurturing young talent at Croydon.

The club, owned by figures like Wilfried Zaha and Stormzy, aiming to elevate the club’s profile. Millen’s history with Crystal Palace, where Zaha played, adds an interesting layer to this appointment, potentially leveraging past relationships for the club’s benefit.

Under Millen’s management, AFC Croydon Athletic, which competes in the Isthmian League South East Division, might see an uplift in performance or strategy, given his tactical knowledge and player management skills. A boost in trying to guide the club up the leagues…

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are delighted to announce Keith Millen as the new manager of AFC Croydon Athletic! A seasoned football coach with vast experience, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to our club and strengthens our ties to the South London community.

Keith joins us with an impressive background, having managed Bristol City full-time and taken on caretaker roles at Crystal Palace, MK Dons, and others. His connection to South London runs deep, being born and raised in Croydon, and his appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Rams.

Our club, proudly co-owned by Wilfried Zaha and Stormzy, has always been rooted in Croydon pride. Wilfried, currently on loan at Lyon from Galatasaray, and Stormzy, who grew up in South Norwood and attended Stanley Tech (now Harris Academy South Norwood), have worked tirelessly alongside Danny Young to lead AFC Croydon Athletic to success. Under their ownership, we achieved promotion through the play-offs in our first season and continue to build on that momentum.

Keith’s career highlights include managing Örgryte IS in Sweden and Carlisle United, as well as amassing over 500 appearances as a player with Brentford, Watford, and Bristol City. He also served as a caretaker manager for Crystal Palace on three occasions, stepping in during critical moments in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Most recently, Keith has worked as a coach educator with the FA, a role he will continue part-time while managing AFC Croydon Athletic.

His deep ties to Crystal Palace also extend to our squad, with several players emerging from the Palace academy, including Nya Kirby, a member of England’s Under-17 World Cup-winning team in 2017.

The Rams have shown incredible resilience this season, going on a 10-game unbeaten run under interim player-manager Michael Kamara, who will now step into the Assistant Manager role. We also thank co-owner Danny Young for stepping in to guide the team during a critical period.

AFC Croydon Athletic plays at the Mayfield Road Stadium in Thornton Heath, a venue with a capacity of 3,000 and located just a short walk from Selhurst Park. We are proud to represent this community and continue to grow as a club.

Keith shared his enthusiasm for the role: “I’ve known Danny for many years and had the privilege of working with Wilf during my time at Crystal Palace. Being a Croydon native, this opportunity felt like a natural fit. Crystal Palace will always be my team, but Croydon is where my heart is.”

He added: “This role aligns perfectly with my current work with the PFA in the region. Coaching remains my passion, and this part-time position gives me the chance to continue developing players, some of whom I’ve worked with before. I’m excited to be part of this journey with AFC Croydon Athletic.”

We look forward to the journey ahead with Keith at the helm and can’t wait to see the team thrive under his leadership. Come on you Rams!

Here’s how fans reacted as Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha’s non league club appoint experienced former EFL player/manager Keith Millen…

@CoachHWard: Wow what an appointment for this level 🔥

@KsOllieU: Not what I was expecting tbh

@rayraybanks86: Wow! This is one hell of an appointment!! 😲

@LukaCPFC_: Met him in Tescos before. Nice bloke

@AdamSimmo73: Great appointment 👏👏👏

@EliotCutting11: Very good appointment

@Palace_Sean: Love that, great to see Keith back in football 🦅

@SquidgyJim: There are more ex Palace there

@RealBristolBoy: Good guy, Milly #BristolCity

Keith Millen https://t.co/PQOEF3xq2S pic.twitter.com/74DlXgQfcM

— D🇦🇹 (@palacedylan) November 18, 2024