A statement from the club reads: “We can
confirm that Danny Murphy (pictured) and Marlon Patterson have been appointed as
joint-managers of the Deres as we promote from within.
“The Board are extremely happy that
both Danny and Marlon have accepted the role after showing a keen interest to
take the reins. In a transitional period for the club, we feel that stability
is needed and the professionalism and enthusiasm they bring to the club will
drive it forward.
“Both Danny and Marlon have had
extensive playing careers both professionally and in non-League. Danny is an
exceptional coach and Marlon just making the transition from playing to
coaching, a development which the club will support.
“Danny made 24 appearances for Queen’s
Park Rangers from 2000/03. He subsequently played for Margate and for
Motherwell and Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland, but his biggest successes were
in Ireland, where he made some 230 appearances in three spells with Cork City,
winning the League of Ireland title in 2005, and won the League again with
Shamrock Rovers in 2010. He was an Irish under-17 international and played for
a League of Ireland representative team.
“Marlon is well known in non-League
football, most recently as captain/player/coach of Erith and Belvedere last
season; his previous clubs include Fisher, Chelmsford City, Bromley and
Dagenham & Redbridge where he made his professional debut.
“Both have great ideas on how to move
the club forward to make us a competitive team and start challenging for
honours again, which is a glowing testament to both. They share the club’s
values on and off the playing field, and we are looking forward to seeing an
exciting team in the coming weeks.
“The hard work starts now with
pre-season training commencing on June 22nd and a full pre-season schedule to
follow. We can’t wait for the new season.
“We would also like to thank everyone
who has shown a keen interest in the managers role. We had no fewer than 40
people come forward for the job, but after an internal discussion we felt that
we already had the right men for the job at the club and felt it would be
unfair to waste anyone’s time with an interview process. But we are very
appreciative of the interest shown.”
Former manager Del Oldfield departed
the Deres last week for personal reasons. |