Smith,
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
told http://www.bromleyfc.tv:
“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 Bromley’s assistant manager, Smith took interim charge at Hayes
Lane in February 2016 before being named manager in April of that year.
Since
then, he has led Bromley to finishes of tenth, ninth and twelfth before a
curtailed end to the 2019/20 season saw the Ravens finish 13th in the National
League based on PPG.
However,
the club’s ultimate ambition remains to reach the Football League and the
search for a new manager will begin immediately, with a view to having a new
manager in place in a timely manner. |